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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
The ancient town of Ankpa in Kogi State was thrown into mourning yesterday evening after 20 people got burnt to death when a tanker with a full load of petrol lost control due to brake failure and fell on the bridge of Maboro River in Ankpa.
A witness said the incident happened around 3.30pm yesterday, but the situation was not clear as to the number of casualties, saying some were burnt beyond recognition and body parts and debris of cars littered in the area greatly.
“Nobody knows the number of dead people now. Many people were in the river doing one thing or the other when the tanker lost control, fell and exploded on the bridge. 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 this month. This one is the most terrible and horrible. Over 20 people were burnt to death, some beyond recognition.”
The Kogi State FRSC Sector Commander, Commander Stephen Dawulung, confirmed the incident, saying the number of casualties could not be established at the time of filing this report.
“My boys are there, putting the pieces together. We don’t know the number of the dead yet. A tanker, one bus, three cars and three motorcycles were involved,” he said.
