Many feared dead in Kogi petrol tanker explosion

Many people are feared dead after a petrol tanker exploded on Wednesday morning in Kogi State following a collision with a tricycle.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) spokesman in Kogi State Idris Fika told ChannelsTV that at least 23 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage.

The accident occurred after a tanker with Premium Motor Spirit lost control following a brake failure and rammed into five other oncoming vehicles.

Eyewitnesses however say over 50 people may have been killed in the blaze, including some residents who were waiting to board commercial vehicles by the roadside, Channels reported.

Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, while reacting to the explosion, expressed shock and sorrow.

“It is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire,” Bello’s spokesperson, Onogwu Muhammed, said in his condolence to the families of those affected by the occurrence.

The governor, however, urged the students of Kogi State Polytechnic to remain calm and peaceful, stating that he shared in their grieving moment over the death of some of their colleagues in the disaster.