At least 48 people have died in Niger State, central Nigeria, following a collision between a fuel tanker and a lorry carrying passengers and cattle, according to the country’s disaster agency.

The Niger State Emergency Management Agency reported that the crash occurred around 00:30 local time on Sunday (23:30 GMT Saturday). The impact caused an explosion that engulfed both vehicles, and several other vehicles were also caught in the blast.

Abdullahi Baba-arah, the agency’s director-general, confirmed that response teams were quickly deployed to the scene to manage the aftermath. Initial footage from the site shows the completely burned-out remains of the vehicles and several dead cattle.

An emergency rescue worker told Reuters that efforts were underway to recover the bodies and dead animals from the wreckage. State media has reported that a mass burial is being organized for the victims.

Governor Umaru Bago expressed his sorrow over the tragedy, sending condolences to the families affected. Fuel tanker explosions and accidents are unfortunately common in Nigeria, often attributed to the poor condition of the roads