More than 140 killed and dozens injured after fuel tanker explodes in Nigeria

Police said it is ‘a heartbreaking moment for us all’ (Sani Maikatanga/AP)

More than 140 people, including children, have been killed and dozens were injured in Nigeria when an overturned tanker exploded in flames while they were trying to scoop up fuel pouring from the vehicle, emergency services said.

The accident occurred at midnight in Majiya in the state of Jigawa when the fuel tanker driver lost control of the vehicle, police spokesperson Lawan Adam said.