Tragic Fuel Tanker Blast Claims Lives in Niger State, Nigeria

Wed Oct 22 2025 21:03:51 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A devastating explosion caused by a fuel tanker overturning has resulted in at least 30 fatalities and numerous injuries in Niger State, highlighting ongoing dangers associated with roadside fuel collection in Nigeria.

In Niger State, Nigeria, a massive explosion from an overturned fuel tanker has led to the deaths of at least 30 people, with around 40 more injured. The incident occurred as villagers attempted to collect spilled fuel, fueling a tragic fire that left many victims unrecognizable. Despite ongoing warnings about the risks, this incident underscores the recurring dangers of improper fuel collection along Nigeria's roads. Local authorities express their condolences while investigations into road conditions continue.

Dozens of people have been killed in an oil tanker explosion in Nigeria's central Niger state after the vehicle skidded off the road and crashed, spilling fuel.

Villagers rushed to collect fuel from the overturned tanker which suddenly exploded, setting off a massive fire that engulfed them. About 30 people reportedly died, while at least 40 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The intense blaze burned many victims beyond recognition, and the injured were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Tanker explosions are a recurring tragedy in Nigeria, despite repeated warnings about the dangers of collecting spilled fuel.

The accident occurred near the Essan and Badeggi communities along the Bida-Agaie road in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger state.

Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps agency was quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying that at least 35 people had been killed in the crash, while a local coordinator for the National Emergency Management Agency (Nema) told the AFP news agency there were 29 dead and 42 injured.

Nema officials told the BBC that they were responding to the incident but were unable to confirm the number of people affected.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago sent his condolences to the people, describing the incident as worrisome, unfortunate and pathetic.

He elaborated, stating, It's disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several awareness campaigns. The tanker, carrying petroleum products from Lagos in southern Nigeria to the north, is said to have crashed due to the poor condition of the road.

Poor road conditions are a major contributor to road accidents in the country. In October last year, a fuel tanker explosion killed 153 people in Jigawa state, north-west Nigeria. In January this year, another truck carrying approximately 60,000 litres of petrol overturned near Suleja, also in Niger state, killing at least 86 people and injuring nearly 70 others.