Six killed as gas truck explodes in Abuja-Lokoja highway

At least six people were killed on Tuesday night following an explosion involving a gas-laden truck at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja-Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.

The blast, which occurred within the Chikara Division axis, drew a swift response from security operatives, including the police, Motor Traffic Division officials, and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

According to an eyewitness, the truck, carrying gas cylinders, detonated as it neared the checkpoint, sparking a fire outbreak that quickly spread to other vehicles in the vicinity.

“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,” the eyewitness said.

Three additional trucks, with registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State, and the Federal Capital Territory, were consumed by the flames.

Emergency responders evacuated the remains of the victims to the General Hospital in Abaji, while the wreckage was removed to ease traffic congestion along the busy highway.