Fuel Tanker Explosion Claims Multiple Lives in Ilorin, Kwara State
A fuel tanker explosion in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, has tragically claimed the lives of multiple passengers. The incident took place early Friday morning, sending shockwaves through the city.
A live video posted by a Facebook user, Orioye Chanter Ijobaibile, captured the devastating scene at the Iyemanja community along the Okolowo expressway. In the footage, Orioye narrates the horrifying sight of people trapped inside burning vehicles, as the fire rages uncontrollably. He also expressed concerns about other fuel-laden trucks passing near the flames, warning that they could catch fire as well.
Despite the escalating danger, emergency responders had not arrived at the scene by the time of reporting, leaving the fire to spread and threaten nearby vehicles and properties. This explosion is the latest in a series of fuel tanker tragedies in Nigeria, coming just weeks after a similar incident in Niger State, which resulted in several fatalities.
In January, another devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred near Suleja, Niger State, claiming at least 98 lives and causing numerous injuries. The explosion occurred when individuals attempted to transfer gasoline from a crashed tanker using a generator, resulting in a catastrophic blast.
Another major explosion took place in Majiya, Jigawa State, in October 2024, with reports of at least 94 deaths, though some sources indicated the number was even higher. The explosion occurred when a fuel tanker overturned, and locals attempted to siphon fuel from it, leading to another deadly blast.
These recurring tragedies underscore the severe risks associated with fuel transportation in Nigeria, often attributed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and a lack of strict safety regulations. Despite numerous incidents, authorities have struggled to implement effective measures to prevent such catastrophic events.
