At least 10 people died on Wednesday when a truck carrying compressed natural gas exploded after crashing on a highway near Nyanya, outside Nigeria’s capital, Abuja.
The accident triggered a massive fire that engulfed several vehicles, according to an AFP journalist at the scene.
Rescue operations were hampered by heavy traffic as the highway was shut down in both directions, said Nonso Ezekiel, spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency.
Authorities provided conflicting casualty figures, with some reporting five or six fatalities.
The truck reportedly lost control before ramming into multiple vehicles.
“After a while, the tank exploded,” Ezekiel said, adding that the fire quickly spread.
Tanker accidents are common in Nigeria, where poorly maintained roads and inadequate regulations contribute to frequent disasters.
The country recently banned fuel trucks carrying more than 60,000 liters in response to previous incidents, but experts warn that deeper systemic issues remain unresolved.
Compressed natural gas has become increasingly popular as Nigerians struggle with high fuel costs following the removal of government subsidies.
However, safety concerns persist, with infrastructure deficits and a lack of regulatory oversight exacerbating the risks.
The crash is the latest in a series of tragedies highlighting Nigeria’s transportation challenges, underscoring the urgent need for stricter safety measures and improved road conditions.
