July 12, 2012 – Nigeria tanker truck explosion

On this day in 2012 a tank truck in Okobie, Nigeria, fell into a ditch, spilled its petrol contents, and exploded nearly an hour later, killing upward of 100 people.The tanker truck crashed trying to avoid an impact with two cars and a bus which caused the driver to veer into a ditch. The accident resulted in and spilt fuel. Hundreds of locals rushed to the scene to take some of the spilled gasoline for their personal use.About 40 minutes after the accident the tanker exploded. The death toll was hit 121 and the injured was at least 75, although the actual number was likely higher as some were treated by relatives or at private clinics. Some 34 motorcycle taxis were destroyed because the drivers of the motorcycles, known as Okada in Nigeria, came to scoop up spilled fuel for their vehicles after learning of the accident and became victims of the explosion.

The best way to support This Day in Automotive History is to become a monthly subscriber on Facebook.

Subscriber benefits include:

  • Most importantly, you’re supporting great content about Automotive History
  • Early access to content on Facebook
  • Discounts on our store
  • Special live videos

If you learned something today, please buy me a beer!

No payment method connected. Contact seller.

This Day in Automotive History - the book!

This Day In Automotive History

By Brian Corey

This book tells fascinating tales, bringing individual days to life with short stories, photographs and illustrations.

This Day in Automotive History

This Day in Automotive History is a transportation history, car history and general automotive history website dedicated to providing informative and entertaining content.

We encourage you to share our page and connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter. If you’d like your car featured, reach out to us!

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER!

Connect with us on Facebook or sign up for our automotive history newsletter to keep in touch.