At least 70 people have lost their lives in a devastating gasoline tanker explosion in north-central Nigeria, according to the country's emergency response agency.  

The incident occurred early Saturday morning near the Suleja area of Niger state when individuals attempted to transfer gasoline from one tanker to another using a generator. This action inadvertently sparked the explosion, causing fatalities among those involved in the transfer and nearby bystanders.

Hussaini Isah, a spokesperson for the National Emergency Management Agency, confirmed the tragic toll to the Associated Press. Search and rescue operations are currently underway.  

This incident underscores the significant risks associated with Nigeria's heavy reliance on road transport. With a limited railway system, trucks are the primary means of cargo transportation, leading to frequent accidents along major roadways.  

In September, a similar tragedy occurred in Niger state when a gasoline tanker collided with a truck carrying cattle, resulting in the deaths of at least 48 people.   According to Nigeria's Federal Road Safety Corps, a staggering 1,531 gasoline tanker crashes were reported in 2020 alone, resulting in 535 fatalities and 1,142 injuries. (ILKHA)