Nigeria
An ominous cloud of smoke permeated the capital city Lokoja of Kogi state in Central Nigeria on Wednesday after a driver coming from Okene and heading towards the northern part of the country lost control of a truck carrying petrol due to a brake failure that saw the vehicle swerve off the road, overturn and catch fire.
The accident took place on the busy Lokoja-Abuja highway, and many vehicles, including a bus conveying students of the state polytechnic, were burnt in the inferno.
Local media outlets report that around 20 people including students and passers-by, might have lost their lives in the fire and Kogi state governor Yahaya Bello offered his condolences to the victims and their families in a public statement.
Nigeria’s ill-maintained roads often see fuel truck accidents.
In July, at least three people were killed in a similar incident where a fuel truck also overturned and split its cargo in the southern Delta state.
00:41
Devastating floods in Eastern Cape Leave 78 dead as rescue efforts continue
01:53
India plane crash: Amit Shah confirms 1 survivor, offers condolences
01:13
Deadly Floods Devastate South Africa’s Eastern Cape: At Least 49 Dead, More Missing
00:54
Kenyan President condemns death in Police custody, orders swift investigation
00:51
At least 49 people have died in flooding in South Africa, officials say
01:17
Revolutionary musician, Sly Stone, has died aged 82