A fuel tanker explosion in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, has left many feared dead. The tragic incident occurred on the morning of Friday, February 28, 2025.
A video shared on Facebook by Orioye Chanter Ijobaibile captured the devastating fire at the Iyemanja community along the expressway in the Okolowo area of Ilorin. In the footage, Orioye narrated the horrifying scene, stating, “People are trapped inside burning cars. What is even more alarming is that other fuel-laden trucks are passing close to the fire, which could trigger further explosions. We are waiting for security operatives to intervene before more damage is done.”
A Recurring Nightmare
This incident comes just weeks after a similar explosion in Niger State, where a fuel tanker burst into flames on a busy highway, leaving several people dead. In January, a catastrophic tanker explosion near Suleja, Niger State, claimed at least 98 lives and left many others injured. Reports revealed that the tragedy occurred when people attempted to siphon fuel from an overturned tanker using a generator, sparking a deadly blast.
A similar disaster struck in October 2024 in Majiya, Jigawa State, where a fuel tanker explosion caused massive casualties. Initial reports indicated at least 94 fatalities, with later updates suggesting the death toll exceeded 140. Many victims were residents attempting to collect spilled fuel before the tanker ignited, leading to a massive inferno.
The Growing Crisis of Fuel Tanker Explosions
Fuel tanker explosions have become an all-too-common tragedy in Nigeria, often linked to poor road conditions, reckless driving, and inadequate safety regulations for fuel transportation. Despite repeated disasters, authorities have struggled to enforce effective measures to prevent such incidents.
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As rescue operations continue in Ilorin, Nigerians are once again confronted with the urgent need for stricter safety protocols to curb the rising trend of tanker-related explosions.
