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A tanker truck exploded after crashing in Nigeria, killing 77 people who rushed to collect fuel at the scene, authorities say.
The tanker overturned and spilled its contents on Saturday in the Suleja area of north central Niger state.
It exploded moments after people began gathering fuel, killing dozens and wounding 25 others, including rescuers, authorities said.
Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country, often caused by poor road conditions and poor vehicle maintenance.
Those injured in Saturday’s explosion are being treated at nearby hospitals, the emergency management agency said.
Nigeria has suffered several similar incidents in recent months.
Two weeks ago, a fuel tanker truck involved in an accident exploded in oil-rich Delta state, killing at least five people, and at least 153 people He died in an explosion while trying to pick up spilled gasoline in October.
Fuel prices have risen more than 400% in the past 18 months following Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s bold economic policies, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.
The changes have plunged millions of people into poverty, and many have been forced to resort to desperate measures to survive.
The government has said its policies are aimed at strengthening the economy.
