In a devastating incident in northern Nigeria, a fuel tanker explosion has resulted in the deaths of at least 147 individuals who flocked to the scene of the accident in Majia, Jigawa state, to collect leaking petrol.

The explosion occurred late on Tuesday night after the tanker overturned and was cordoned off by police, who had warned bystanders to keep their distance.

However, police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam stated that despite their efforts, the growing crowd was unable to be contained as people began scooping fuel from the damaged tanker.

The crash, which took place around 11:30 PM local time, involved a tanker en route from Kano to Nguru in Yobe state when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. The driver, unharmed in the accident, has been taken into custody for further investigation.

A distressing video shared on social media captured the chaotic moments following the fire's outbreak. Emergency services quickly rushed to the scene, but many victims suffered severe burns and were found beyond recognition. To shield the deceased from onlookers, authorities covered the recovered bodies with tree branches.

Rescue teams have continued to discover more bodies, some located far from the initial accident site, indicating that the victims were likely attempting to seek help before succumbing to their injuries. In a grim turn, most of the deceased have already been laid to rest in a mass burial ceremony.

Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are not uncommon in Nigeria, often attributed to the poor condition of roads and inadequately maintained vehicles. As cleanup efforts progressed in Jigawa, another fuel tanker incident occurred in Ogun state.

On Wednesday morning, a tanker overturned on a main road in Ibafo, spilling petrol and subsequently igniting, causing damage to nearby lorries but thankfully resulting in no injuries.

This tragic event follows a similar incident in September, where 59 people lost their lives in Niger state after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry transporting passengers and cattle.

The recurring theme of these accidents underscores the pressing need for improved road safety and vehicle maintenance standards in Nigeria.