Horrific scene shakes the Niger’s capital

/ News & Interviews / Tuesday, 07 May 2019 13:07

Fifty-eight people died in Niger's capital Niamey after an overturned tanker truck exploded as crowds collected spilt fuel, authorities and witnesses said.

The blast on the RN1 route near the international airport left the burnt truck's wreckage, motorbikes and debris scattered over the road.

Nearby houses were damaged by fire. The explosion left 58 dead, the presidency said in a statement.

“Motorbike riders and people were all around the truck when it exploded all of a sudden,” a local trader said. “I saw at least 40 dead.”

Burst into flames

Witnesses said people were trying to collect petrol leaking from the truck, which had overturned on railway tracks, when the explosion happened.

“Just before midnight I went out and I saw the truck overturned. People came from everywhere to take gas, then I saw fire on its side and everything burst into flames,” a college student said.

Nigerian President Mahamadou Issoufou visited some of the injured in hospital in the capital.

Prime Minister Brigi Rafini and the Interior Minister Mohamed Bazoum inspected the site of the explosion, describing a scene of “real drama.”

Motorcycle engine

Bazoum said the truck had tipped over while trying to park. Crowds and motorbike drivers rushed to the scene to take fuel from the tanker. “Unfortunately, one of the motorcyclists did not switch off their engine. There must have been a spark that caused a massive blast,” the minister said. He said 37 people were injured. Most were in a very serious condition in hospital with burns.

Niger, a poor West African country, has tried to stamp out fuel smuggling from neighboring Nigeria.

Nigeria, a major oil producer, has seen similar deadly accidents and explosions in the past when people try to steal fuel from oil pipelines.

More than 100 people died in an explosion in southern Nigeria in 2012.

Latest Issue

Please publish modules in offcanvas position.