In a tragic incident in Nigeria, at least 50 individuals lost their lives when a fuel tanker collided head-on with another truck, resulting in a catastrophic explosion on Sunday.
The director-general of Niger State, Abdullahi Baba-Arab, reported that the fuel tanker was transporting cattle in the Agaie area of north-central Niger state, where the unfortunate victims were burned alive in the inferno.
Local authorities have urged residents affected by the tragedy to remain calm while emphasizing the importance of adhering to road traffic regulations to prevent further loss of life and property.
This disastrous event highlights a troubling trend; according to the World Health Organization (WHO), road d3aths in sub-Saharan Africa surged by 17 percent between 2010 and 2021, contrasting sharply with a global decrease of 5 percent during the same period.
Furthermore, a 2024 WHO report indicated that traffic-related fatalities in sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly one-fifth of all road de_ths worldwide in 2021, despite the region representing only 15 percent of the global population and a mere 3 percent of its vehicles.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures in the region to address the stark disparity in road fatalities.
As communities mourn the loss and authorities assess the situation, there is a pressing call for heightened awareness and preventive strategies to protect lives on the roads.
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