Six Killed in Gas Truck Explosion at Kogi Army Checkpoint

A devastating explosion occurred Tuesday night when a gas-laden truck detonated at an army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Nigeria's Kogi State. The blast claimed the lives of at least six people, according to an eyewitness account.

The truck, carrying gas cylinders, exploded as it neared the checkpoint within the Chikara Division's jurisdiction. The resulting inferno engulfed the truck's driver and motor boy, as well as the drivers and their assistants from three other trucks caught in the blast. The fire spread rapidly, destroying the affected vehicles.

Emergency services, including police, the Motor Traffic Division, and the Federal Road Safety Corps, responded to the scene. The remains of the victims were transported to the General Hospital in Abaji. The burnt vehicles were subsequently cleared from the highway to allow for the resumption of traffic flow.

Efforts to get an official statement from the Kogi State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Police Public Relations Officer did not respond to calls or text messages seeking comment at the time of reporting.

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The driver of the gas truck and his motor boy were burnt to death. The fire also engulfed three other trucks, killing their drivers and motor boys. In all, six people lost their lives in the incident.