A tragic accident occurred in the Agaie area in the north-central Niger state when a fuel tanker collided with another truck, resulting in an explosion that claimed the lives of at least 48 people. The fuel tanker was also transporting cattle, with at least 50 of them burned alive in the incident. Search-and-rescue operations are currently ongoing at the site of the accident. Abdullahi Baba-Arab, the director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, initially reported 30 bodies recovered, but later confirmed an additional 18 victims who were burned to death in the collision.
The governor of Niger state, Mohammed Bago, called for residents to remain calm and for road users to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Fatal truck accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria due to factors such as reckless driving, poor road conditions, and poorly maintained vehicles. In 2020 alone, there were over 1,500 petrol tanker crashes in Nigeria, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and injuries according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The recent increase in petrol prices by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company has led to shortages and long queues at petrol stations across the country. As the search for answers and accountability in the aftermath of this tragic incident continues, it is imperative for both authorities and road users to prioritize safety on Nigeria’s roads to prevent further loss of lives.
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