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12 killed in fuel tanker explosion in Nigeria: police
KANO, Nigeria, April 14, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Twelve people were killed and
16 others badly injured when a fuel tanker exploded in northern Nigerian city
of Gombe, police told AFP on Sunday.
The driver lost control of the fuel tanker as he tried to avoid
colliding with another truck at a bridge on the outskirts of the city on
Saturday.
The tanker fell on its side, “spilled its contents and exploded, causing
an inferno that engulfed other road users,” Gombe state police spokeswoman
Mary Mallum said.
“Twelve people burned to death while 16 others were seriously injured
and evacuated to hospital for treatment,” she said, accusing the driver —
who was among those killed — of reckless driving and speeding.
Accidents are common on Nigeria’s poorly maintained roads, many caused
by reckless driving, speeding and disregard for traffic rules.
Nineteen people were killed on April 5 when a truck crashed in northern
Katsina state due to “fatigue and overloading”, according to road safety
officials.
BSS/AFP/RY/1812 hrs