25 Primary school students burnt to death as petrol tanker explodes in Kogi |photos

At least 25 persons have been burnt to death after a petroleum tanker exploded in Kogi state in the wee hours of today! The tragic incident occurred at Felele area, Lokoja in Kogi state after a petrol tanker exploded following a collision with a tricycle. Many were injured while about 30 people including students from Kogi State Polytechnic students and some Primary School pupils who were on their way to school perished in the unfortunate incident. An eyewitness said the petrol tanker, which was coming from Okene and heading towards the northern part of the country had a brake failure at about 8a.m., lost control, and rammed into oncoming vehicles. Reacting in the statement signed by his spokesperson, Onogwu Muhammed, Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State expressed his condolence to the families of those affected by the incident. He said: “It is very sad to learn of the tragic loss of lives, many vehicles, property and other valuables in the petrol tanker fire.” He urged the students of Kogi State Polytechnic to remain calm and peaceful, and that he shared in their grieving moment over the death of some of their colleagues. Meanwhile, it was learned that for over an hour after the inferno started, fire service didn’t respond.