At least 140 people have been killed and dozens more wounded after an overturned fuel tanker exploded in northwestern Nigeria, according to police and emergency workers.

The tanker, which had travelled about 110km (68 miles) from neighbouring Kano state, veered to avoid colliding with a truck in the town of Majia, according to police.

Following the crash, residents crowded around the vehicle, which likely increased the number of casualties, Adam said.

“The residents were scooping up fuel from the overturned tanker when the explosion occurred, sparking a massive inferno,” he told the AP.