FRSC confirms death of 23 persons in Kogi tanker explosion

The Kogi State Command of Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has confirmed the death of Twenty-three persons in a tanker explosion that occurred in the early hours of today, along Felele – Nataco axis of Abuja – Lokoja Road.

Our Kogi State Correspondent had reported that the explosion which involved a tanker loaded with petroleum product, a school bus, cars, tricycles and motorcycles, claimed over 30 lives.

Confirming the incident this afternoon, the Kogi State Sector Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr. Idris Ali, gave the figures of the victims to include ten adult males, six female adults, three female children and four other children burnt beyond recognition.

Wreckage of the explosion

Mr. Ali, however said one child escaped death with injury.

The Sector Commander, said ten vehicles including five cars, one taker, three tricycles and two motorcycles, were involved in the accident.

He added that eleven of the corpses have already been claimed by their relatives, while the rest have been deposited in the morgue at Kogi State Specialist, Lokoja.

An eyewitness account said the tanker failed break at GT Plaza at Felele and rammed into the vehicles in its front, causing the fatal accident.

Fresh Angle International gathered that sympathizers watched helplessly as no fire fighting vehicles from the state or federal fire services, came to the scene to put out the fire.

Meanwhile, the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, has expressed shock over the explosion.

The Governor, in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary, Onogwu Muhammed, said it was very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives in the petrol tanker explosion.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the family of those affected by the ugly incidence.

Bello said: “This is sadly the greatest tragedies the state has witnessed in recent times. The unfortunate accident is a sad development. I share the feeling of those who lost their loved ones in this incident".

Governor Bello, also urged the students of Kogi State Polytechnic, to remain calm and peaceful, stating that he equally shared in their grieving moment over the death of some of their colleagues in the disaster.

 Some of the dead Victims

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