The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in Suleja, north-central Nigeria, has climbed to 98, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). The tragedy occurred early Saturday when individuals attempted to transfer fuel from a crashed tanker to another truck using a generator, sparking a devastating explosion.

Related:
Nigeria: Army’s Clash with Boko Haram Left 6 Soldiers Dead

Hussaini Isah, NEMA’s head of operations for Niger State, warned that the death toll might continue to rise as authorities assess the aftermath. “The death toll keeps changing,” he told the Associated Press on Monday.

The blast claimed the lives of those transferring the fuel, along with bystanders and people who had gathered at the scene to scoop gasoline or take pictures. Crowds often form at such incidents in Nigeria, where fallen tankers are seen as an opportunity to collect free fuel.

Gasoline prices in Nigeria have surged following the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration over a year ago. The policy, aimed at redirecting funds toward developmental projects, has led to widespread hardship, making incidents like fuel scooping more frequent as citizens seek alternatives to alleviate economic strain.

This dangerous practice, combined with unsafe fuel transfer methods, has led to repeated tragedies across the country. In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several deadly explosions involving fuel tankers, highlighting both the economic desperation and the risks posed by inadequate safety measures.

Emergency responders continue to recover bodies and assist the injured, but the scale of the devastation underscores the need for stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and economic policies that address the root causes of such hazardous behaviors.

EN ESTA NOTA: