An overturned fuel tanker exploded on Tuesday night in northern Nigeria, killing at least 153 people who had rushed to the scene of the accident to collect leaking petrol, officials say.
The fire engulfed the vehicle, which had been cordoned off by officers after it crashed in Jigawa state, the police told the BBC.
About 100 other people injured in the explosion have been taken to hospitals in the region, many of them in critical condition.
Officers had warned people not to approach the tanker after the accident late on Tuesday night, but they were unable to contain the growing crowd, said police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam.
“We tried our best to stop people going to the vehicle to get petrol but despite cordoning [off] the area, we were overpowered and as people were scooping fuel, fire erupted,” he told the BBC.
The crash happened in the town of Majia at around 23:30 local time (22:30 GMT), he said.
“The fuel tanker was coming from Kano and heading to Nguru in Yobe state when the driver lost control of the vehicle.”
The driver, who was not injured, has been taken into custody while the police conduct an investigation.
In a condolence message to the families of the victims, Vice-President Kashim Shettima called for a comprehensive review of fuel transportation safety protocols across Nigeria.
A distressing video has been shared on social media showing the moments after the fire erupted.
“Fire service and other emergency units rushed to the scene to help after the incident,” Mr Adam said.
Many of the victims have been burnt beyond recognition. The recovered bodies have been covered by tree branches to shield them from onlookers.
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