In Nigeria’s north-central Niger State, authorities are mourning the loss of dozens of lives following a fuel tanker explosion on Tuesday in the town of Badeggi.
The blast occurred after residents rushed to scoop fuel from a fallen tanker, triggering a massive fire that left dozens dead and nearly 70 injured, most of them women.
According to Dr. Abdullahi Arah, Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), the accident was caused by a mechanical failure and unsafe crowding around the tanker.
He said some victims have been transferred to Abuja for specialized treatment, while the state is implementing stricter safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
