Praise Ojochegbe Lokoja
A tanker laden with Premium Motor Spirit PMP rammed into oncoming vehicles at Maboro River at Ankpa in Ankpa LGA of kogi killing not fewer than twenty persons on Wednesday.
The fuel tanker, which was said to have developed brake failure while descending the popular Maboro as the driver tried frantically to save the situation, but lost control as it bursted into flames killing those in the river and all occupants in at least four on coming vehicles.
An eye witness account , said the situation was not clear as to the numbers of casualties as many were burnt beyond recognition
“Nobody knows the exact number of dead people now. Many People were in the river doing one thing or the other when the tanker lost control, veered of the bridge and exploded It’s horrible. The most gory scene I have seen in my life”, said Usman Ahmed from Ankpa.
Yet, another person from the town, who craved anonymity stated that “it’s the second major disaster in Ankpa within a month. This one is the most terrible and horrible . Over twenty persons were burnt to death, some beyond recognition”.
He added that many who were crushed to death had their body parts mangled all over the place adding that such parts had to be picked in bits and pieces in body bags.
Meanwhile, the kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Commander Stephen Dawulung confirmed the incident ,saying the number of casualties have been tentatively put at Eight persons.
“‘My boys are there, putting the pieces together. A tanker , one bus and three cars, three motorcycles were involved”, he said.
