At least 35 people have died and dozens more were injured in a tanker explosion along the Agaie–Bida Road in Niger State, Nigeria. The accident occurred in Essan community when a fuel-laden tanker overturned, prompting nearby residents to rush to the scene to collect spilled petrol.
According to officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps, the blaze erupted as people attempted to scoop the leaking fuel, igniting a powerful explosion that engulfed several victims and destroyed nearby properties.
Local authorities confirmed that the vehicle had been transporting fuel from Lagos when it lost control due to the deteriorated condition of the road. Community leaders and transport unions have urged the Niger State government to repair the dangerous route, where multiple tanker crashes have occurred this month.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the tragedy as “deeply painful and avoidable,” urging citizens to prioritize safety and avoid collecting fuel from accident scenes. The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and called for improved safety measures in the transportation of flammable materials.