From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Over Twenty people have reportedly burnt to death in a tanker accident that occurred by the side of Ochadamu bridge (Olofu) in Ofu local government of Kogi State.
The accident was said to have occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Thursday when the joint patrol who were drafted to Ejule to Quel the crises of Dangote drivers and those who looted cement few weeks ago came to the road for quick business.
Eye witnesses told our correspondent that those who died were burnt beyond recognition, as many sustain injuries while up to 30 vehicles got burnt.
It was gathered that the accident was caused by a disagreement between soldiers and tanker drivers.
Soldiers reportedly shot two tanker drivers and their colleagues (tanker drivers) in anger, used a tanker loaded with fuel to barricade the highway leading to the accident.
It was gathered that despite the pleads with the tanker drivers to remove the tanker that they used to block the road, they refused,” our source said.
According to him, “suddenly, a speeding coal truck ran into the petrol tanker, causing it to go up in flames, killing scores of people and injuring many others.”
The source said no fewer than 20 corpses were counted while about 50 people sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, when contacted on the incident, said they were still at the spot, with one of them pleading for more time to get the true picture of the casualty figure.
Motorists plying Lokoja – Anyigba routes now go through either Ajegu – Idah – Ajogidibeje junction or through Abocho – Ogbabo junction roads.
