A fuel tanker has exploded in Nigeria, killing at least 30 people and destroying several shops in the country's oil industry hub, Port Harcout.

The speeding tanker crashed and spilled its cargo on Saturday, triggering a huge blaze.

Ireju Barasua, a state police spokeswoman, said: "The incident happened at Eleme junction in the city. The details are still sketchy."

The resulting fire killed at least 30 people, injured others and razed about 20 shops, residents said.

The tanker tipped over and spilled fuel onto cars and into shops before it ignited, witnesses said.

'Run for my life'

Matthew Eliagwu, a 61-year-old shop owner, said: "I heard a loud bang and I came out of my shop. I saw fire running down towards my shop, but I escaped.

"It was impossible to help anyone, because I had to run for my life."

An AFP reporter in Port Harcourt said the tanker was carrying stolen petrol and the driver was trying to escape a team of policemen chasing the vehicle.

Police could not immediately confirm the number of casualties.

The accident comes a day after armed groups fighting for autonomy blew up an oil tanker in the region, wounding three people.

PHOTO CAPTION 

A plume of smoke rises from an oil tanker after an explosion in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. [Reuters]

Al-Jazeera