A serious oil tanker explosion occurred in Nigeria, resulting in at least 35 deaths. Authorities indicated that the accident is suspected to be related to locals attempting to collect fuel from the overturned tanker, which ultimately triggered a massive explosion and tragedy.
According to reports from foreign media such as the BBC, the incident took place in the Katcha area of Niger State in central-northern Nigeria. A tanker loaded with petrol lost control and overturned while driving, immediately leaking fuel, and later exploded.
Niger State Governor Bago issued a statement confirming the incident, noting that some people gathered at the scene and tried to collect petrol leaking from the tanker. Unexpectedly, an explosion suddenly occurred during this, resulting in many people dying on the spot, with several others injured and taken to hospital.
Bago described the event as "heartbreaking and worrying," criticizing residents for approaching the scene to collect fuel despite being aware of the dangers, and emphasized that the government has repeatedly warned that such actions are extremely dangerous.
Reports indicate that similar accidents frequently occur in Nigeria. Due to the lack of adequate fuel distribution pipelines, most fuel is transported by land. Combined with poor road conditions, overturning and explosion incidents are common, claiming dozens of lives each year.