Nigerian Gas Tanker Explosion Kills at Least 28

Nigerian Gas Tanker Explosion Kills at Least 28
People inspect the damage at the site of a gas tanker explosion in the central Nigerian state of Kogi, Nigeria on Sept. 23, 2020. (Haruna Yahaya/Reuters)
Reuters
9/23/2020
Updated:
9/23/2020

ABUJA—At least 28 people were killed on Wednesday when a gas tanker exploded in the central Nigerian state of Kogi and started a blaze, a road safety agency official said.

Bisi Kazeem, spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corp, said nine children were involved in the accident, which happened opposite a petrol station along Lokoja-Zariagi highway in the state.

State Gov. Yahaya Bello said in a statement the accident, which occurred early on Wednesday, led to loss of lives and destroyed many vehicles, properties, and other valuables in the tanker fire.

Traffic accidents are common in Nigeria, where roads are bad and safety standards poor.

By Camillus Eboh and Tife Owolabi