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A fuel tanker explosion in the northern Nigerian village of Majiya, Jigawa state claimed the lives of 147 people and left 70 others injured, according to local authorities and emergency services. The explosion occurred late on Tuesday evening, following a crash that caused the tanker to overturn and spill fuel, drawing residents who rushed to collect it before the deadly blast occurred.
The accident occurred when the driver of the tanker lost control of the vehicle, leading to it somersaulting and spilling fuel into a drainage ditch. As locals hurried to scoop the fuel, the tanker exploded, resulting in a massive fireball that devastated the area.
Jigawa police spokesperson Shiisu Lawan Adam explained the sequence of events, noting, “The driver lost control, and the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel. Residents rushed to collect the fuel, which is when the explosion happened.”
By Wednesday evening, the death toll had risen to 147, with rescue operations continuing throughout the day. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the figure, and a mass burial for the victims was held that afternoon, adding to the somber mood in the affected community.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, expressed his condolences to the grieving families in a statement, saying, “My heart aches for those who have had their families torn apart by this disaster. This devastating incident has shaken us all to our core. The Federal Government stands with the people of Jigawa.” He also announced the immediate mobilization of federal resources to assist the injured and families affected by the explosion, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
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