More than 50 people have reportedly died in a tanker explosion at Ahumbe village, Gwer local government area of Benue state on Monday, July 1.

It was gathered that the explosion took place while residents of the area where trying to scoop fuel from the tanker.

The tanker which was said to have been coming from Alade was involved in an accident in the area prompting locals to engage in scooping fuel.

An official in the local government area, Christopher Avi, said 50 people were burnt to death while 70 other sustained various levels of injuries.

Avi said those who sustained injuries have been taken to different hospital for medical attention. He also said that those affected by the incident were mainly residents of Ahumbe.

Some houses were also affected. Confirming the incident, the state's police spokesperson, said she was yet to get the exact figure of victims.

He said that the tanker had entered a ditch and tumbled and spilled the fuel in the process.