At least six people have died following a gas truck explosion at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.
The incident occurred on Tuesday night within the Chikara Division area when a truck transporting gas cylinders reportedly exploded as it approached the military checkpoint, according to Punch.
An eyewitness said the blast sparked a massive fire that engulfed three other trucks parked nearby.
> “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 trucks, bearing registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, were completely destroyed in the inferno.
Emergency responders, including officers of the Kogi State Police Command, the Motor Traffic Division and the Federal Road Safety Corps, responded to the scene to contain the fire and manage the aftermath.
The bodies of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Abaji, while the burnt vehicles were cleared from the highway to restore traffic flow.
As of the time of reporting, the Kogi State Police Command had not officially confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Salisu Oyiza Afusat, did not respond to calls and text messages seeking comment.
