At least six persons were burnt to death after a gas-laden truck exploded while in motion at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja–Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the tragic incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Chikara Division, prompting an immediate response by police operatives, personnel of the Motor Traffic Division (MTD), and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

According to the sources, the truck conveying gas cylinders exploded while approaching the Army checkpoint, triggering a massive inferno that engulfed nearby vehicles.

The gas truck was completely burnt, while its driver and motor boy died in the blaze, with their bodies burnt beyond recognition.

The intensity of the fire also spread to three other trucks, which were completely consumed by the inferno, killing the drivers and their motor boys.

The affected vehicles were identified by their registration numbers as:

Police said the remains of the six deceased victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Abaji, while the burnt vehicles were cleared from the highway to restore the free flow of traffic.

Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, while further investigation into the incident is ongoing. (Zagazola)