Scene of tanker explosion
At least six people lost their lives on Tuesday after a gas-laden truck exploded near an Army checkpoint along the Abuja–Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.
The incident occurred within the Chikara Division area, where police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials and Motor Traffic Division personnel responded to the emergency.
According to security sources, the truck was carrying gas cylinders when it suddenly exploded while approaching the checkpoint.
The explosion sparked a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles on the highway.
The gas truck was completely destroyed, while its driver and motor boy were burnt to death.
Three other trucks were also engulfed by the flames, killing their drivers and motor boys.
The affected vehicles bore registration numbers HJA 626YR (Jigawa), APP 164XB (Lagos) and GWA 214XY (FCT Abuja), according to the sources.
Police said the bodies of the six victims were taken to General Hospital, Abaji, while the burnt vehicles were removed to restore the free flow of traffic.
