At least 48 people have died in Nigeria’s central state of Niger after a fuel tanker collided with a lorry transporting passengers and cattle, according to the country’s disaster agency.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that the collision occurred around 00:30 local time (01:30 GMT) on Sunday, resulting in an explosion that consumed both vehicles.
Abdullahi Baba-arah, the agency’s Director-General, stated that response teams were quickly sent to the scene to manage the aftermath.
Several other vehicles were also caught in the explosion.
Video footage from the scene shortly after the incident shows the two completely burned-out vehicles and numerous dead cattle.
An emergency rescue worker told Reuters they were focused on recovering bodies and deceased animals still inside the vehicle.
State media reports that a mass burial is being conducted for the victims.
Governor Umaru Bago expressed his sorrow over the tragedy in a message of condolence to the victims’ families.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are frequent in Nigeria, often attributed to the poor condition of the roads.
