Three die, two injured in Kogi petrol tanker crash
THreepeople were burnt to ashes, while two others sustained injuries in a multiple accident, which occurred on Monday night along FeleleAbuja Expressway in Lokoja, Kogi State.
The Guardian learnt that the accident involved a diesel laden articulate vehicle ( tanker), two trailers laden with containers heading for Abuja axis and other small vehicles
It was gathered that the driver of the diesel laden tanker heading towards Abuja, lost control of the vehicle around Living Faith Church, after Felele Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation ( NNPC) filling station in Lokoja, as a result of break failure and rammed into the middle of the two trailers carrying containers, fell and exploded.
An eye witness said the accident occurred at about 10: 00 p. m . on Monday night and caused heavy traffic along the busy road.
The witness said security agents and operatives of Federal Road Safety Corps ( FRSC),
who were drafted to the scene, evacuated the dead bodies and had a hectic time, controlling traffic when the fire subsided.
Kogi Sector Commander of FRSC, Stephen Dawulung, who visited the scene, told newsmen, who had kept vigil at the scene of the accident, that a Dyna pick- up van parked by the roadside and two other vehicles were also affected by the fire.
Dawulung called on drivers of articulated vehicles, especially those carrying flammable substances to always be cautious and drive within the regulated speed limit.
He said that they must also maintain all vehicle safety protocols like the use of safety valves to prevent spillage of content in the event of a crash.
While noting that those who were injured have been taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja for treatment, he urged Federal Government to put more speed breakers on the road to slow down vehicular speed.
Recall that the highway had recently witnessed fatal accidents, a development that prompted the Federal Government to construct bumps at intervals to reduce such incidents and the attendant loss of life and property.