20 persons roasted, 30 vehicles burnt in Kogi tanker explosion

At least 20 persons have reportedly been roasted and over 30 vehicles burnt in a petrol tanker accident near Ochadamu junction in Ofu Local Council of Kogi State, yesterday.

According to a witness, most of the dead were burnt beyond recognition.

He said: “I learnt that the accident was caused by a disagreement between security operatives and tanker drivers at a checkpoint. Security personnel allegedly shot two tanker drivers. Their colleagues, in anger, used a tanker loaded with petrol to barricade the highway leading to Idah.

“People gathered and pleaded with the tanker drivers to remove the vehicle from the road, but they refused. Suddenly, a truck carrying coal ran into the petrol tanker causing it to explode. An inferno engulfed the scene, killing scores of people and injuring many others.”

Our source said no fewer than 20 corpses have been recovered so far, while about 50 persons sustained varying degrees of injury.

When contacted, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said its officers were at the spot to ease traffic and ascertain the accurate casualty figure.

“My officers are still busy and vehicles are still burning, as we speak. I will get back with detailed information as soon as possible,” a senior officer of the commission told newsmen.