At Least 31 Killed in Niger State Tanker Explosion

Overview

• Police reported at least 31 fatalities, while the Federal Road Safety Corps said the toll was at least 35.
• The gasoline tanker overturned in the Bida area, spilled fuel and ignited as residents rushed to scoop it.
• Police said 17 people were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
• The FRSC said the vehicle skidded off the road before the fire, and police opened an inquiry to identify the driver and tanker owner.
• Such disasters are frequent in Nigeria, where fuel is hauled by road on deteriorating highways through Niger State, a major transit corridor that has seen a recent rise in heavy-truck accidents.