An oil tanker accident in Jigawa state, Nigeria, killed 104 people and injured 100 others on Tuesday night. The tanker fell and caught fire after swerving to avoid a truck carrying tomatoes in Majiya town.
Aishatu Sa'adu, head of Jigawa's Civil Protection Agency, confirmed the casualties. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as people rushed to salvage fuel, leading to the devastating blaze.
The incident occurred when the tanker driver lost control of the vehicle while traveling on a highway, causing the tanker to overturn and spill fuel.
Residents rushed to the scene to salvage fuel, sparking a massive inferno that lasted for approximately two hours before firefighters extinguished it.
Most of the victims were burned beyond recognition, with many buried in a mass grave.
Jigawa state governor, Umar Namadi, and representatives from Dutse emirate led the funeral and burial of the victims in one big grave.
Emergency services arrived at the scene several hours after the accident, with Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of Jigawa emergency services, stating that most victims were burned to ashes at the scene.
This incident follows a similar accident in Niger state that claimed 59 lives in September.
Oil tanker accidents are common in Nigeria, primarily due to poor roads and reckless driving.
The practice of salvaging fuel with cups and buckets has become more prevalent due to soaring fuel prices, which have tripled since the start of last year.
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