A fuel tanker explosion in Majiya, Jigawa State, northern Nigeria, killed at least 153 people and left more than 100 injured. The explosion occurred on the night of October 15, 2024, when a fuel tanker overturned on an expressway. Locals rushed to collect the spilled fuel from the leaking tanker after it flipped onto its side, spilling gasoline into a drainage ditch.
Shiisu Lawan Adam, a police spokesperson for Jigawa State, described the situation: “The driver lost control, and the tanker somersaulted and spilled fuel into a drainage ditch. As a result, residents rushed to scoop the fuel when the explosion happened.” The driver reportedly tried to avoid colliding with another truck, causing the vehicle to overturn.
Mass burials took place on October 16 and 17 to accommodate the high number of casualties. The medical association in Nigeria urged doctors to assist at nearby hospitals, given the influx of severely burned patients. Most injured individuals were transported to local medical facilities in Ringim and Hadejia, where emergency treatment was administered.
Nigerian farmer Mustapha Majiya is devastated after nearly 50 members of his extended family died when the overturned fuel tanker exploded, engulfing the night sky in flames. His nephews, Nuradeen Rabiu, 16, and Dini Babalo, 17, were among the victims. They had been attempting to prevent people from approaching the tanker and collecting fuel before the blast, according to the 50-year-old resident of Majia town, who spoke to the BBC.
This explosion is one of many similar incidents in Nigeria, which has a high rate of fuel tanker accidents. Nigeria lacks an efficient rail system, so fuel and other cargo are often transported by road. In 2020, Nigeria recorded over 1,500 fuel tanker accidents, resulting in 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries. These accidents are often attributed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance. Recent months have seen multiple fatal incidents, including one in Niger State that killed at least 48 people in September.
Adding to the situation is Nigeria’s economic crisis, which has driven many to collect spilled fuel despite the risks. Gas prices have tripled since the government ended fuel subsidies last year, making gasoline a scarce and valuable commodity. Poverty remains prevalent across the nation, exacerbating desperation and risky behavior. Many of the victims in Majiya were attempting to collect the leaked fuel for domestic use or resale to alleviate their financial burdens.
Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima expressed sorrow for the victims in a statement on Wednesday, acknowledging the profound impact of the disaster on families. He emphasized that the incident has deeply affected everyone. He assured that the government is committed to supporting the people of Jigawa by providing necessary resources to help the injured and assist affected families.