Nigerian Fuel Tanker Explosion Kills 86 and Injures 55

The tragedy occurred as locals attempted to collect spilled gasoline from an overturned tanker, highlighting economic pressures and safety concerns.

The explosion happened early Saturday at Dikko Junction in Niger State, as fuel was being transferred from a crashed tanker using a generator.
The blast killed 86 people, with an additional 55 injured, many suffering severe burns; several victims were burnt beyond recognition.
Local residents and passersby had gathered to collect spilled gasoline despite warnings, a practice driven by soaring fuel prices after subsidy removal in 2023.
Authorities buried the victims in a mass grave due to the difficulty of identifying remains, and rescue efforts continue to assess the full impact.
President Bola Tinubu expressed sorrow over the incident and called for a national campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of fuel scooping.