LOKOJA, Nigeria — A devastating collision involving a fuel-laden tanker claimed many lives along the Lokoja-Abuja highway in Kogi State on Sunday, May 21, 2023, in one of the deadliest vehicular accidents the region has seen in recent years.
The tanker, reportedly brimming with flammable liquid, lost control and collided with incoming vehicles, triggering a catastrophic inferno that engulfed several surrounding vehicles.
“The tanker is still burning with many other vehicles that were trapped in the process. I saw two commercial buses and cars in flames,” said Yusuf, an eyewitness from the nearby Koton-Karfei town.
The accident took place directly in front of the local government secretariat, amplifying the shockwaves felt throughout the community.
Security personnel and operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, rushed to the scene, making frantic efforts to extinguish the flames and rescue trapped passengers amid the chaotic situation.
Despite their determined efforts, the tragic scene left many burnt beyond recognition.
The state sector commander of the FRSC, Stephen Dawlung, spoke to journalists regarding the incident. “My men are there already. No detail yet.
Many were trapped in the accident. The tanker is still burning, causing traffic challenges on the highways presently.
I will avail you of the details, once we are through,” Dawlung stated, acknowledging the persistent difficulties faced by his team and the growing urgency of the situation.
The highway, a crucial conduit linking Kogi State with the nation’s capital, Abuja, remains partially closed as emergency response teams work to clear the wreckage and restore traffic flow.
Meanwhile, the local community reels from the horrifying incident, left questioning the safety standards of their transportation system and mourning the loss of those caught in the accident’s fatal grip.
This accident underscores the grave risks associated with road transportation in the country, adding to a rising toll of lives lost to vehicular accidents on Nigeria’s highways.
The incident will undoubtedly intensify discussions around the need for improved road safety regulations and stricter enforcement of vehicular standards, particularly for vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
As the flames subside and the dust settles, the pain and shock of this devastating accident will likely linger in the hearts of Kogi State’s residents for a long time, serving as a tragic reminder of the urgent need for change in Nigeria’s road safety standards.
