Forty-eight killed in Nigeria fuel tanker crash
At least 48 people have died in Nigeria’s central Niger State following a collision between a fuel tanker and a lorry carrying passengers and cattle, according to the country’s disaster agency.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that the crash occurred around 00:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday and led to an explosion that consumed both vehicles.
Abdullahi Baba-arah, the agency’s director-general, confirmed that response teams were promptly sent to handle the situation.
Several other vehicles were also affected by the explosion.
Initial footage from the scene shows the completely burned-out vehicles and numerous dead cattle.
An emergency rescue worker told Reuters that efforts were underway to recover both the bodies and the dead animals still inside the vehicle.
According to state media, a mass burial is taking place for the victims.
Governor Umaru Bago said he was “pained by the unfortunate incident” in a condolence message to the families of the victims.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria, partly due to the poor state of roads.
