A fight between a soldier and a truck driver at a military checkpoint in Ochadamu village, along the ever-busy Ajaokuta-Itobe-Anyigba road in Kogi State, has left many dead and others injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Thursday confirmed the incident, disclosing that 11 persons died and seven others were seriously injured in the accident that involved a petroleum-laden tanker and others.
Corp Commander Stephen Dawulung, Kogi FRSC Sector Commander confirmed the incident in a telephone in Lokoja.
An eye witness narrated that the first accident occurred around 3 p.m. when a truck rammed into a stationary vehicle at the military checkpoint due to brake failure, killing one person at the spot at Ochadamu village.
“While the military personnel were trying to sort out that incident, a truck driver was busy videotaping the incident, a situation which angered the personnel, who seized the phone.
“Other truck drivers around protested and demanded that the phone be released to their colleague without further delay,” he narrated.
The witness said that one of them (drivers) then drove his tanker laden with petroleum and cross the road, thereby blocking the highway and sworn not to move it away until the phone was given back to the owner.
But shortly after the petroleum tanker blocked the road, another articulated vehicle, filled with coal, lost control due to brake failure too and rammed into the tanker, which exploded in flames that left several persons burnt beyond recognition.
Dawulung confirmed 12 vehicles were burnt, including trucks and six motorcycles that were also burnt down by the inferno that occurred at Ochadamu village along Ajaokuta-Itobe-Anyigba road, Kogi.
He said that the corps’ personnel, who rushed to the scene were able to rescue some trapped commuters and the injured rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
“Already, six of the injured persons have been taken to Holy Memorial Hospital, Ochadamu, while one person was taken to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ajaokuta for medical attention.
“It’s sad that 11 persons died in these unfortunate road accidents that occurred at a spot due to human carelessness,” he said.
The sector commander said that the corps had been warning motorists to always check the roadworthiness of their vehicles before embarking on a journey but it seems they are not obeying.
He described the incident as “shocking” calling on motorists to always keep to the safety rules and regulations to avoid such carnage and wanton destruction.
