The tragic gasoline tanker explosion in Nigeria's northern state of Jigawa has claimed over 181 lives, as reportedly confirmed by state Governor Umar Namadi on Tuesday.
The incident occurred on the night of October 15 when a tanker lost control and overturned in Majiya, Taura local government area.
Governor Namadi shared that at least 80 individuals have been hospitalized following the explosion. Most victims were reportedly caught in the blast while attempting to collect gasoline that had spilled into a drainage ditch.
A total of 210 families have been affected by this tragedy. In response, the state government has covered the medical expenses of all victims and is actively working to support the affected families in rebuilding their lives.
A mass burial for the victims was held on October 16 in Majiya. Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by this heartbreaking event.
On Tuesday, a fuel truck lost control and erupted into flames near the Ugandan capital, Kampala, resulting in the deaths of 11 people, including two minors, according to police reports. Police said on X that "the victims were burnt beyond recognition."
Those who hurried to siphon fuel from the overturned tanker were the most impacted. Four buildings containing nine shops were engulfed in the fire, leading to the loss of properties valued at millions of shillings.
The injured individuals were quickly transported to nearby health centers for medical treatment. Meanwhile, police are carrying out an investigation to verify the number of injured from those facilities. The identities of the affected individuals have yet to be determined.