MAIDUGURI, Nigeria and LONDON — At least 105 people were killed, and 50 others were injured following a devastating petrol tanker explosion in Majiya, a town in northwestern Nigeria, officials said on Wednesday.
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The explosion occurred late Tuesday after the driver of the tanker lost control of the vehicle, according to Shi’isu Adam, a spokesperson for the Jigawa regional police.
Disturbing footage from the scene shows large plumes of smoke and flames engulfing the area as people scrambled to rescue the injured. Eyewitnesses described the atmosphere as chaotic and desperate, with people trying to escape the spreading fire.
Jigawa state Gov. Umar Namadi visited the site of the explosion on Wednesday morning, where he was briefed on the rising death toll.
Local resident Sani Umar, who narrowly avoided the explosion, shared his harrowing experience: “It was terrifying. People were running in all directions, screaming for help. The fire spread so quickly that many couldn’t escape.”
The tanker had been en route to Nigeria’s Yobe state when the accident occurred around 11:30 p.m. local time. According to police reports, crowds gathered around the vehicle after it overturned, with some attempting to collect the leaking fuel. It was during this time that the tanker exploded.
“We are worried that despite police warnings for people to stay clear from accident scenes involving fuel tankers, they still gather,” Adam said. “People gathered around the accident scene; that is the reason for the mass casualties.”
At least 50 of the injured are currently receiving medical treatment at Ringim General Hospital for various degrees of injuries, authorities said.
The area remained cordoned off on Wednesday as police continued their investigations into the incident.
AT Abdullahi, the commissioner of police in Jigawa state, expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the wider community.
“This is a heartbreaking moment for us all,” Abdullahi said. “We share in the pain and sorrow of the families affected. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the bereaved.”
A mass burial for the victims is scheduled to take place on Wednesday.
