The explosion in Makhachkala occured at a fuel station after a fire broke out
IBTimes NG

The death toll from a gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has increased to 86, according to the country's emergency response agency, Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

The explosion occurred early on Saturday near the Suleja area of Niger State when people tried to transfer gasoline from a crashed tanker into another truck using a generator. The fuel transfer caused the explosion, killing both those involved in the transfer and bystanders.

Hussaini Isah from the National Emergency Management Agency updated the Associated Press, saying that 55 more people were injured and are being treated at three hospitals in the Suleja area.

Isah mentioned that some victims were burned beyond recognition, which makes it hard to determine the exact number of deaths. He said the death toll could be higher than 86 and that forensics would be needed to confirm the final count.

The blast resulted in so many casualties because a crowd had gathered at the scene, including people taking pictures, bystanders, and others trying to collect gasoline.

Gasoline prices in Nigeria have risen sharply after President Bola Tinubu's administration removed subsidies on the product over a year ago, aiming to use the savings for development. However, this policy has led to massive hardship for many people.

In Nigeria, it is common for people to scoop gasoline from fallen tankers, as they see it as an opportunity to get free fuel, which they can either use or sell for a profit.

Last year, Tinubu instructed Senator George Akume to lead a federal government team to Jigawa State after a fuel tanker explosion in Majiya village led to the deaths of 105 people.

The tanker was carrying petrol from Kano to Yobe when it overturned near Khadija University, causing fuel to spill into a drainage system. As villagers tried to collect the spilled fuel, a fire broke out, resulting in a huge explosion that spread throughout the area.

A petrol tanker in September exploded on the Bida-Agaie-Lapai road in Niger State leading to the death of 48 people and 50 cows. Initially, only 30 bodies were found, but after further search and rescue operations, the agency recovered 18 more bodies.

Originally published on ibtimes.ng