Not again! Another fuel tanker explodes in Ilorin

Casualty figures uncertain

A fuel tanker explosion occurred in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, on Friday morning.

The incident has reportedly claimed the lives of multiple passengers in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

SaharaReporters monitored a live video posted by a Facebook user, Orioye Chanter Ijobaibile, showing the raging fire at Iyemanja community, along the expressway in Okolowo axis, Ilorin.

In the video, Orioye narrated the horrifying scene, saying people were inside the cars, and that it was burning. Orioye further mentioned that many other trucks that always carred fuel were passing near the fire and were also likely to catch fire.

At the time of the report, the Kwara State Fire Service and other emergency responders were still being expected.

But the fire, according to reports, is said to have claimed multiple lives.

This explosion comes just weeks after a similar incident in Niger State, where several people were burnt to death when a fuel tanker exploded on a busy highway.

In January, a tragic fuel tanker explosion happened near Suleja in Niger State, Nigeria, resulting in at least 98 fatalities and numerous injuries.

The incident took place when people attempted to transfer gasoline from a crashed tanker using a generator.

This led to a very serious explosion.

2024 also witnessed fuel tanker explosions.

In October 2024, a devastating fuel tanker explosion occurred in Majiya, Jigawa State.

The tragedy was said to have occurred when a fuel tanker overturned, leading local residents to gather and collect the spilling fuel.

The incident was reported to have claimed lives, with reported fatalities varying between sources.

Initial reports indicated at least 94 deaths, while subsequent updates reported higher numbers, with some sources citing over 140 fatalities.

The explosion also caused numerous injuries and a lot of property were damaged.

Unfortunately, the tanker exploded during this process, resulting in the high casualty figures.

This incident highlighted the dangers associated with siphoning fuel from compromised tankers, a practice that has led to multiple tragedies in the region.

Fuel tanker explosions have become a recurring nightmare in Nigeria, often attributed to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and a lack of strict safety regulations for fuel transportation.

Despite repeated tragedies, authorities have struggled to implement measures to prevent such disasters.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the Ilorin explosion, and the full extent of casualties remains unknown.

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