Tragic Fuel Tanker Collision Kills 48 in Nigeria

A catastrophic head-on collision between a fuel tanker and a truck in north-central Nigeria resulted in an explosion, killing at least 48 people. The fuel tanker carrying cattle also claimed the lives of around 50 animals. Emergency response teams are conducting search and rescue operations at the scene.

A catastrophic collision between a fuel tanker and another truck in Nigeria claimed at least 48 lives, according to the country's emergency response agency. The incident occurred in the Agaie area of Niger state.

The fuel tanker, which also transported cattle, caused the death of approximately 50 animals. Abdullahi Baba-Arab, director-general of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, confirmed that initial reports identified 30 bodies, but an additional 18 bodies were later found.

Governor Mohammed Bago emphasized the need for road safety and urged residents to remain calm. Fatal truck accidents are common in Nigeria due to the lack of an efficient railway system. In 2020 alone, 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes resulted in 535 fatalities, according to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps.

(With inputs from agencies.)