A tragic road accident claimed the lives of six people and left 60 others injured near the Zone 8 Roundabout on Hassan Katsina Road in Lokoja on Tuesday.
The incident, which occurred around 3 p.m., involved an articulated truck travelling from Bauchi to Enugu that reportedly lost control.
The Kogi State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Oyedeji, confirmed the fatalities and stated that the bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Federal University Teaching Hospital mortuary.
“A truck lost control, leading to this devastating accident. It is a painful reminder of the need for caution and vigilance on our roads,” Oyedeji said.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with emergency responders working tirelessly to rescue victims and clear the wreckage.
“It was horrifying. People were trapped, and it took hours to free them and restore some order,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Oyedeji emphasized the importance of strict adherence to traffic rules, particularly for heavy-duty vehicle operators, and called on authorities to improve road infrastructure and enforce regulations to prevent such incidents.
“As investigations continue, it is crucial that all road users understand their shared responsibility to ensure safer roads,” he added.
This incident follows a similar tragedy earlier in the year. On April 1, 2024, a collision between a Sharon bus and a cement truck at Obajana Market along the Obajana-Lokoja Road resulted in 13 deaths and two injuries.
The FRSC Commander explained that the Sharon bus had stopped for passengers to shop when the cement truck lost its brakes and crashed into it.
“We urge drivers to maintain their vehicles and always prioritize safety to avoid further loss of lives,” Oyedeji concluded.
