A tanker has exploded after a collision in Nigeria, killing 77 people who rushed to collect fuel from the scene, authorities say.
A tanker overturned and spilled its contents in the Suleja area of north-central Niger state on Saturday.
It exploded moments after people began collecting fuel, killing dozens and injuring 25, including rescue workers, officials said.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country – often caused by poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.
Those injured in Saturday’s explosion are being treated in nearby hospitals, the agency for emergency situations announced.
Nigeria has experienced a number of similar incidents in recent months.
Two weeks ago, a fuel tanker involved in the accident exploded in oil-rich Delta state, killing at least five people and at least 153 people died in an explosion while trying to collect a gasoline spill in October.
Fuel prices have risen more than 400% in the past 18 months following Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic policies, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.
The changes have pushed millions of people into poverty, and many have been forced to turn to desperate measures to survive.
The government said its policy is aimed at strengthening the economy.
