A fire killed 94 people in a tanker accident in Nigeria

A fuel tanker exploded in northern Nigeria overnight as it was surrounded by a crowd rushing to the scene to collect leaking gasoline.

At least 94 people were burned when fire engulfed the overturned vehicle that crashed, police told the BBC.

Fifty others injured in the blast were taken to a hospital in the nearby town of Ringim in Jigawa state and are in critical condition.

Officials warned people not to approach the tanker after the accident late Tuesday night, but they were unable to contain the growing crowd, police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam said.

“We did our best to prevent people from going to the vehicle to collect petrol, but despite cordoning off the area we were overwhelmed and as people were collecting fuel a fire broke out,” he told the BBC.

The crash occurred in the town of Majia in northern Jigawa state at around 11:30 p.m. local time (22:30 GMT), he said.

“The tanker was coming from Kano and was on its way to Nguru, Yobe State when the driver lost control of the vehicle.”

The driver, who was uninjured, was arrested during police investigations.

A disturbing video was shared on social media showing the moments after the fire broke out.

“Fire crews and other emergency units rushed to the scene to assist following the incident,” Mr Adam said.

Many of the victims were burned beyond recognition. The bodies were covered with branches to protect them from prying eyes.

A mass burial was planned for later on Wednesday, Mr Adam said.

Tanker truck explosions and accidents are common in Nigeria – often caused by poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.

In September, 59 people died in Nigeria’s Niger state after a fuel tanker collided with a truck carrying passengers and livestock.

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