38 killed in Nigeria fuel tanker explosion

A fuel tanker explosion has killed at least 38 people in the West African country of Nigeria. At least 38 people have been killed. After the tanker carrying fuel overturned, many people tried to collect the fuel that had spilled on the road. At that time, the tanker exploded, resulting in fatalities.
Local authorities said the accident occurred on the Kacha-Agai road in the village of Ezza in the southern part of the country. TRT World news agency reported this information in a report today, Wednesday (October 22).
Witnesses said the fuel tanker overturned on the damaged part of the road and spilled oil. Then people in the vicinity rushed to collect the oil. The tanker exploded shortly after.
Farouk Mohammed Kao, chairman of the Niger State Petroleum Tanker Drivers Association, told reporters that most of the casualties were collecting oil from the tanker before the explosion.
Hajia Aishatu Sadou, commander of the Niger branch of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRC), said rescue operations were still underway at the scene of the accident. The tragic incident has caused severe traffic congestion on the busiest highway, especially due to the poor condition of the road. Incidentally, fuel tanker explosions and road accidents are quite common in the West African country. Such accidents are often caused by poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.