At least six people were killed on Tuesday night after a gas-laden truck exploded at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State, triggering a massive fire that engulfed several vehicles.
The explosion occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chikara Division, prompting an emergency response from police officers, personnel of the Motor Traffic Division, and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
An eyewitness told journalists that the truck, which was transporting gas cylinders, exploded as it approached the checkpoint, causing a fire that quickly spread to other vehicles on the highway.
According to the eyewitness, the truck driver and his assistant were burnt beyond recognition, while three other trucks caught fire, killing their drivers and assistants.
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“The driver of the gas truck and his motor boy were burnt to death. The fire also engulfed three other trucks, killing their drivers and motor boys. In all, six people lost their lives in the incident,” the eyewitness said.
The affected vehicles, bearing registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, were completely destroyed in the inferno.
The victims’ remains were evacuated to the General Hospital in Abaji, while emergency responders cleared the wreckage from the highway to restore traffic flow.
