𝟕𝟕 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

A tanker has exploded after crashing in Nigeria, killing 77 people who had rushed to collect fuel from the scene, according to authorities.

The tanker overturned and spilled its contents in the Suleja area of North Central Niger state on Saturday. It exploded moments after people began scooping up fuel, killing dozens and leaving 25 others injured, including rescuers, officials said.

The injured are being treated in nearby hospitals. Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country - often caused by the poor state of roads and badly maintained vehicles.

Fuel prices have increased by more than 400% in the last 18 months following bold economic policies by Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.

The changes have put millions of people into poverty, with many forced to turn to desperate measures for survival.