- Fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria have claimed the lives of more than 555 people in just five years
- Poor road conditions and reckless driving continue to fuel the explosions
- Desperate crowds often risk their lives to collect fuel from overturned tankers, triggering deadly explosions
The death toll from fuel tanker explosions now exceeds 555 people over the last five years, with no signs of the crisis abating.
Poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate vehicle maintenance are often cited as contributing factors to these accidents.
Also, on several occasions, desperate crowds rush to collect fuel from overturned tankers, risking their lives for what they perceive as a valuable resource, only to be caught in deadly explosions.
TheRadar compiled some of the notable tragedies linked to fuel tanker explosions below:
7 fuel tanker explosion incidents in Nigeria
1. Dikko, Niger State - January 18, 2025
A tragic incident unfolded on January 18, 2025, when a tanker overturned in Dikko, near Suleja, Niger State, spilling its contents. As crowds gathered to collect the fuel, a deadly explosion erupted, killing more than 98 people, including men, women, and children, many went to scoop the spilled fuel.
2. Jigawa State - October 2024
In October 2024, Jigawa State was rocked by tragedy as more than 144 people were killed in an explosion while trying to collect fuel from an overturned tanker. The blast led to widespread devastation, and many families were left mourning the loss of their loved ones.
3. Agaie, Niger State - September 8, 2024
A fuel tanker collided with another truck, sparking a deadly explosion that claimed the lives of at least 48 people and over 50 cattle were killed in the blaze. Two additional vehicles, a crane truck and a pickup van, were also caught in the fire.
4. Rivers State - April 26, 2024
On April 26, 2024, a tanker explosion took place on the East-West Road in Rivers State. At least five people were killed, and over 120 vehicles were destroyed in the aftermath. The explosion was sparked when a tanker on the damaged road collided with another heavy-duty vehicle, triggering a violent fire.
5. Ondo State - July 3, 2023
On July 24, 2023, a petrol tanker explosion in Ore, Ondo State, claimed the lives of over 10 people, including a pregnant woman and three children. The disaster unfolded when the tanker spilled its fuel, and, despite warnings, desperate individuals rushed to collect it.
6. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Ogun State - February 18, 2022
On the morning of February 18, 2022, a fuel tanker explosion on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway resulted in at least 17 fatalities. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the incident, which occurred around 5 am near the Isara bridge, involved a head-on collision between a tanker and a Mazda bus, leading to a deadly fire.
7. Agatu, Benue State - April 18, 2021
A devastating explosion occurred when a tanker carrying petroleum products erupted in Agatu Local Government Area. The blast razed over 100 houses, left many dead and caused numerous others to go missing.
The incident unfolded after the driver of the tanker, which was en route from Oweto to Otukpo, lost control, causing it to overturn and spill its contents at the Oshigbudu/Obagaji junction.
Sanwo-Olu, Bago, Egbetokun condole with Jigawa tanker explosion victims, say incident heartbreaking
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu sympathised with Jigawa State governor on the tragic petrol tanker explosion in the state.
Also, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State extended his condolences to the victims.