Over 140 killed in Nigeria as overturned fuel tanker explodes
Jigawa, Nigeria: In an incident reported from Majiya town, Jigawa State, on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, over 140 people, including children, lost their lives after a fuel tanker overturned and exploded. The incident occurred as residents rushed to collect fuel leaking from the truck before it erupted in flames. Dozens more sustained severe injuries, with many victims burned beyond recognition, according to emergency officials.
The tanker accident, one of many such incidents in Nigeria, highlights the dangerous reality faced by residents grappling with rising fuel prices and poor infrastructure. Desperate to gather fuel, locals took a fatal risk as they approached the overturned tanker. Since the Nigerian government ended fuel subsidies last year, the cost of fuel has tripled, pushing many into situations where scavenging becomes a dangerous necessity.
The explosion occurred shortly after midnight when the tanker’s driver lost control of the vehicle on a highway, police spokesperson Lawan Adam said. The subsequent fire spread quickly, trapping several people at the scene. "People were running in all directions, screaming for help," recounted Sani Umar, a resident who witnessed the disaster, speaking to local Channels Television.
Emergency response teams arrived at the scene but were met with a grim aftermath. Nura Abdullahi, the regional head of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), reported that nearly 140 victims were buried in a mass grave due to the extent of the burns, while others were interred separately. Many victims were unidentifiable because of the severity of the burns.
Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of Jigawa emergency services, expressed sorrow over the tragic loss of life. "If they had known the danger, they wouldn’t have gone to fetch the fuel," he said, adding that most victims died instantly as the fire quickly engulfed the area.
Fuel tanker explosions are not uncommon in Nigeria. According to Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps, over 1,500 such accidents were recorded in 2020, leading to 535 deaths. Experts blame weak enforcement of traffic and safety regulations, along with poorly maintained fuel tankers that are prone to spillage during accidents.
Timothy Iwuagwu, president of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria, criticized the country's lack of public safety awareness and enforcement. “There are not enough awareness campaigns, and compliance with safety measures is often ignored,” Iwuagwu said, calling for stronger action to prevent further tragedies.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Fadnavis, Shinde, Pawar? Speculation rises over CM post as Mahayuti heads for landslide win in Maha
Mumbai: With counting still underway for Maharashtra's 288 Assembly constituencies, early trends show the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance is heading for a landslide victory. Meanwhile, speculation is intensifying over who will lead the state government.
The BJP’s seat tally is projected to rise significantly from 105 in 2019 to around 125, commanding its role as the dominant member in the alliance, with a staggering strike rate of 84%.
BJP spokesperson Pravin Darekar expressed that Devendra Fadnavis, a two-term Chief Minister, might reclaim the top post, describing the results as “overwhelming.” However, Shiv Sena spokesperson Sheetal Mhatare argued for continuity, advocating for current Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to retain the role.
BJP leader Keshav Upadhaye emphasized that the election outcome reflects the people's vote for development, but he noted that many party workers favor Fadnavis as the Chief Minister.
Adding to the drama, NCP leader Ajit Pawar, a Deputy Chief Minister in the current government, has also emerged as a potential contender. His wife, Sunetra Pawar, publicly expressed her desire to see him as Maharashtra's Chief Minister, further fueling discussions within the coalition.
