Death toll in gasoline truck explosion in Nigeria rises to 70

In Nigeria, the number of dead as a result of an explosion of a gasoline tanker truck has increased to 70. This was reported by the Associated Press(AP) on January 18, citing the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

"The explosion occurred while the fuel was being transported, killing those transporting the gasoline and bystanders," NEMA spokesman Hussaini Isu told the publication.

He also indicated that search and rescue operations were ongoing. The AP noted that such accidents are common in Nigeria due to the inefficiency of the rail system for transportation of goods.

The explosion of a gasoline tanker truck in Nigeria was reported earlier in the day. Initially it was reported about 50 dead. According to the head of the Federal Road Safety Service (FRSC) of Niger State, Kumar Tsukwama, people nearby began to collect fuel spilled from the tanker when the explosion occurred.