Scores Killed In Niger As Fuel Tanker Explodes

At least 58 persons have been confirmed dead while several others have sustained various degrees of injuries when a tanker loaded with petroleum products went up in flames in Niamey, Niger’s capital.

Naija News understands that many of the victims had gathered to collect fuel after the vehicle overturned close to railway tracks as it tried to park.

The victims were said to have been busy scooping fuel when the scene caught fire and exploded.

58 persons were said to have died almost immediately while 37 people were injured.

The incident that happened on Sunday evening, happened on the RN1 road that links the Diori Hamani international airport to Niamey.

President Mahamadou Issoufou has travelled to visit some of the injured in hospital.

One eyewitness told Agence France-Presse: “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.”