A tanker explosion in Lokoja has killed at least 20 people.
Among those burnt to death are school children, traders and pedestrians along Lokoja-Abuja Road.
The sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, Idris Fika says at least 23 bodies have been pulled from the wreckage.
The accident occurred after a truck laden with Premium Motor Spirit lost control following a brake failure and rammed into five other oncoming vehicles.
It was gathered that the driver of the tanker conveying petrol lost control as the truck rammed into a tricycle and oncoming vehicles before going up in flames.
Firefighters and emergency personnel are on the ground rescuing victims.
Reacting to the explosion, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, expressed shock and sorrow.
In the statement signed by his spokesperson, Onogwu Muhammed, the governor expressed his condolence to the families of those affected by the occurrence.
“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.
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.
