Tragedy struck north-central Nigeria as the death toll from a devastating gasoline tanker explosion near the Suleja area of Niger state has soared to 86, according to the country’s emergency response agency. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, unfolded when individuals embarked on the perilous task of transferring gasoline from a crashed oil tanker to another truck using a generator.
The ill-fated fuel transfer operation triggered a catastrophic explosion that claimed the lives of both those involved in the risky maneuver and innocent bystanders. Providing an update on the grim situation, Hussaini Isah from the National Emergency Management Agency revealed that an additional 55 individuals sustained injuries in the explosion and are currently undergoing treatment at three different hospitals in the Suleja area.
The aftermath of the explosion left a haunting scene of charred remains, leaving authorities grappling with the daunting task of accurately determining the total casualties. Expressing the challenges faced in assessing the full extent of the tragedy, Isah lamented, “There were people that were burnt to ashes. How can we get that figure? We won’t know the exact figure without forensics.”
The magnitude of the tragedy was exacerbated by the presence of a crowd at the scene, which included onlookers, individuals capturing the unfolding chaos on camera, and others attempting to siphon off gasoline from the fallen tanker. The perilous practice of scavenging fuel from compromised tankers is unfortunately a common occurrence in Nigeria, where some view it as an opportunity to acquire free fuel for personal use or resale.
The incident comes against the backdrop of soaring gasoline prices in Africa’s most populous country following the government’s decision to remove subsidies on the product over a year ago. The move, aimed at redirecting resources towards developmental initiatives, has inadvertently resulted in widespread economic hardship for many Nigerians.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s policy shift, though well-intentioned, has had unintended and dire consequences, with the recent explosion serving as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in the volatile fuel sector. The precarious nature of the industry, coupled with the desperation of individuals seeking to navigate the harsh economic realities, has created a fertile ground for such tragic incidents to occur.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives in this latest disaster, questions surrounding safety protocols, enforcement of regulations, and public awareness loom large. The need for stringent measures to prevent such calamities from recurring is underscored by the sheer devastation left in the wake of the explosion.
In the aftermath of this harrowing event, the resilience and solidarity of the Nigerian people are put to the test as they grapple with the stark realities of a nation grappling with economic challenges and striving for a safer, more secure future. The tragic toll of the gasoline tanker explosion serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to avert such catastrophes in the future.
