By Valentine Amanze, Online Editor
Tragedy struck in Kogi State on Wednesday September 23, 2020, when a tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) exploded along Felele axis of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, killing about 26 people.
The explosion from the tanker, which was said to have failed break in the morning hours, set fire on other vehicles, including five commercial tricycles conveying passengers.
Also, six members of the same family were roasted in their car, as well as some students as result of the accident, which occurred close to Kogi Polytechnic.
Eyewitness said that the victims burnt beyond recognition, while the two that sustained injuries died later at a nearby hospital.
He further disclosed that the casualty rate would be more than 30 including some residents who were waiting to board commercial vehicles by the roadside.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, Idris Fika, confirmed the accident.
He said that at least 23 bodies had been pulled from the wreckage.
Meanwhile, there is tension around the area, after law enforcement officials left the scene, with students of nearby Kogi Polytechnic protesting the frequent road accidents in the area.
But, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed shock and sorrow over the incident.
In the statement by his spokesperson, Onogwu Muhammed, the governor expressed his condolence to the families of those affected by the accident.
“It is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire,” he said.
Besides, the governor appealed to 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.