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A tanker has exploded after colliding in Nigeria, killing 77 people on their way to get fuel, authorities said.
The tanker overturned and spilled its contents on Saturday in Suleja area of Niger North Central state.
Moments after people started refueling, it exploded, killing dozens and injuring 25 others, including rescue workers, officials said.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country, often caused by poor road conditions and poorly maintained vehicles.
The emergency management agency reported that those injured in Saturday’s explosion are being treated in nearby hospitals.
Nigeria has seen many similar incidents in recent months.
Two weeks ago, a fuel tanker involved in an accident exploded in oil-rich Delta state, killing at least five people. at least 153 people died in an explosion while trying to collect spilled gasoline in October.
Fuel prices have risen more than 400% in the past 18 months as Nigerian President Bola Tinubu pursues bold economic policies, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.
The changes have pushed millions of people into poverty, forcing many to resort to desperate measures to survive.
The government has said that its policies are aimed at strengthening the economy.
