At least 147 people were killed when a fuel tanker overturned and exploded on a road in northwestern Nigeria. Many others were injured.

Lawan Shisu Adam, the country's police spokesman, said on Wednesday that a fuel tanker overturned on the expressway in the town of Mazia in Jigawa province during the night. At that time, many people in the vicinity came to collect fuel from the overturned tanker. Some bring cars. Suddenly the tanker exploded causing casualties.

Adam said groups of people were collecting fuel from the overturned tanker when it exploded and caught fire.

A video circulating online shows the tanker on fire. Bodies are scattered at the scene. Even on Wednesday morning, the fire was burning there.

Haruna Mairiga, head of Jigawa province's emergency management agency, said at least 147 people were killed in the tanker explosion. The country's National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) gave similar figures.

Police believe the fuel tanker overturned on the expressway while avoiding a collision with a truck.