Tragic Boat Explosion Claims 20 Lives in Bayelsa, Nigeria

A tragic boat explosion has claimed the lives of at least 20 people in Bayelsa, Nigeria. The boat, transporting traders to coastal areas, caught fire and exploded. This incident highlights concerns over the recurring issues of overcrowding and poor maintenance in Nigeria’s boat transport services.

A tragic boat explosion in Nigeria's coastal state of Bayelsa has resulted in the death of at least 20 people, a police spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday.

The wooden boat, carrying traders and their goods to various coastal communities, caught fire before exploding, according to Bayelsa police spokesperson Musa Muhammed on Thursday. Weekly trips between the coastal settlements and the state capital Yenagoa are a common practice among these traders.

Last year, Nigeria recorded at least 200 fatalities in boat accidents, often attributed to overcrowding and poor maintenance, underscoring a pressing safety issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)