Nigerian fuel tanker explosion kills 70, injures many

A tragic fuel tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria has claimed the lives of at least 70 people, with many more injured. The incident occurred early Saturday morning when individuals attempted to transfer gasoline between tankers using a generator, sparking a catastrophic fire. Most victims were local residents who had gathered to scoop up spilled fuel after the tanker overturned. The National Emergency Management Agency reported ongoing search and rescue operations, highlighting the dangers associated with such fuel transfer practices. This disaster adds to the growing toll of similar accidents in Nigeria, exacerbated by the country's ongoing cost of living crisis and soaring petrol prices following subsidy removals. In 2020 alone, Nigeria experienced over 1,500 fuel tanker crashes, resulting in hundreds of fatalities.