At least 38 people have been confirmed dead following a fuel tanker explosion in the village of Ezza, located in the Katcha Local Government Area of Niger State, Nigeria.
Authorities said the tragic incident occurred on Tuesday when a tanker carrying fuel overturned on a damaged section of the Katcha–Agae road, spilling its contents.
Witnesses told Anadolu that several residents rushed to collect the leaking fuel before the tanker suddenly exploded. Many others sustained varying degrees of injury and are receiving treatment at the Badegi Clinic and Ezza Dispensary Hospital.
Niger State Chairperson of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ Union, Farouk Mohammed Kawo, said most of the victims were among those attempting to scoop the spilled petrol. Hajiya Aishatu Sa’adu, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed that rescue operations were still underway at the accident site, noting that the explosion had caused a major traffic gridlock along the busy expressway.