Fuel tanker explosion kills over 140 in Nigeria

A fuel tanker has exploded overnight in 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, many of them are in a critical condition.

Police spokesman Lawal Shiisu Adam officers had warned people not to approach the tanker after the accident but they were unable to contain the growing crowd, said.

The driver of fuel tanker lost control of the vehicle but was not injured