On January 18, 2025, a tragic incident occurred near Suleja in Niger State, Nigeria, where a fuel tanker overturned and exploded, resulting in at least 86 fatalities and 55 injuries.
Incident Details
The explosion happened in the early hours of Saturday at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway. Individuals had gathered to collect gasoline from the overturned tanker when the fuel ignited, leading to a devastating blast.
Casualties and Response
Emergency services reported that the explosion resulted in the deaths of those transferring the gasoline and bystanders. An additional 55 people sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at three different hospitals in the Suleja area.
Contributing Factors
The incident underscores the dangers associated with attempting to collect fuel from compromised tankers, a practice sometimes driven by economic hardships. The removal of fuel subsidies in Nigeria has led to increased gasoline prices, exacerbating the economic challenges faced by many citizens.
Government and Public Safety Measures
In response to the tragedy, authorities have reiterated the importance of public safety and the risks involved in approaching accident scenes involving hazardous materials. Efforts are underway to investigate the cause of the explosion and to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
