ABUJA, Nigeria — A tragic accident occurred in north-central Nigeria when a gasoline tanker exploded, causing the deaths of at least 70 individuals, according to the national emergency response agency.

The explosion took place in the early hours of Saturday near Suleja in Niger state. It was reported that people were attempting to transfer gasoline from one tanker to another using a generator, which ignited the fuel and led to the catastrophic blast. Hussaini Isah from the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed that both those involved in the gasoline transfer and bystanders were among the deceased.

Rescue and search operations are currently ongoing as authorities respond to the aftermath of the explosion, Isah indicated.

In Nigeria, a country that lacks a well-developed railway system for cargo transport, truck accidents resulting in fatalities are unfortunately a common occurrence on major roadways. In a similar incident in September, at least 48 people lost their lives in Niger state after a gasoline tanker collided with another truck that was transporting cattle.

Data from Nigeria’s Federal Road Safety Corps reported that in 2020, there were 1,531 accidents involving gasoline tankers, leading to 535 deaths and 1,142 injuries.