Fire kills 147 people after fuel tanker crash in Nigeria

A fuel tanker exploded overnight in northern Nigeria, killing at least 147 people who rushed to the scene of the accident to collect leaking petrol.

The fire engulfed the overturned vehicle, which had been cordoned off by officers after it crashed.

About 100 other people injured in the explosion have been taken to hospital in the nearby town of Ringim in Jigawa state, many of them are in a critical condition.

Officers had warned people not to approach the tanker after the accident late on Tuesday night, but they were unable to contain the growing crowd, said police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam.

The driver, who was not injured, has been taken into custody while the police conduct an investigation. A distressing video has been shared on social media showing the moments after the fire erupted.

Many of the victims have been burnt beyond recognition. The recovered bodies have been covered by tree branches to shield them from onlookers.