‎Six killed as gas truck explodes at Kogi army checkpoint

Lokoja, Kogi State — No fewer than six people were killed on Wednesday, July 15, when a gas-laden truck exploded at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.
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‎The incident, which occurred within the jurisdiction of the Chikara Division, triggered a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles and caused significant disruption along the busy highway. Security personnel, including police officers, Federal Road Safety Corps officials, and traffic management operatives, were deployed to the scene following the explosion.
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‎According to security sources, the truck, which was transporting gas cylinders, exploded while approaching the military checkpoint, sparking an inferno that rapidly spread to nearby vehicles.
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‎ The driver of the gas truck and his assistant were burnt to death in the blaze.
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‎The fire also consumed three other trucks parked or moving near the scene, killing their drivers and assistants. In total, six persons lost their lives in the incident, with some of the victims burnt beyond recognition.
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‎Authorities said the affected vehicles were completely destroyed by the fire. The remains of the deceased were evacuated to the General Hospital in Abaji, while emergency responders worked to clear the wreckage and restore the free flow of traffic along the highway.
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‎Officials have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion. However, investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly incident.
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‎The Abuja-Lokoja highway is one of Nigeria’s major transport corridors, linking the Federal Capital Territory to several states in the North and South. The latest tragedy has renewed concerns about the safety of transporting highly flammable materials on the nation’s highways.