140 people killed in Nigeria fuel tanker explosion
Stockholm, October 17 (Hibya) - More than 140 people were burned to death in Nigeria, a West African country, after a fuel tanker exploded while people were attempting to collect fuel after it overturned.
According to police spokesperson Lawan Adam, the explosion occurred after the driver lost control on the highway, causing the tanker to overturn.
Dr. Haruna Mairiga, head of the emergency management agency in Jigawa state, said initial figures show that 97 people were "burned to ashes" at the scene. Eight more people died in the hospital.
Local resident Sani Umar said the fire "spread very quickly, and many people couldn't escape", adding: "People were running in all directions, screaming for help."
Collecting fuel with buckets and cups has become more common in Nigeria due to rising fuel prices.
British News Agency