Scores Die over Fuel Tanker Accident in Benue
About 60 people Monday lost their lives following a petrol tanker accident in Benue State.
The incident had occurred at Ahumbe, along Alliade- Makurdi federal highway in Gwer East Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
An eye witness said the accident occurred when the tanker which was carrying full load of fuel and heading to Markurdi lost control as the driver tried to dodge a pot hole on the road.
It was gathered that the villagers around had gone to scoop fuel when the tanker exploded and caught fire.
According to the eye witness, no fewer than 60 people died with several others wounded on the scene.
The villagers in a bid to scoop fuel were said to have hit the tanker with iron to create enough space to take fuel freely when the tanker exploded.
The matter even became worse when a bus with about 14 people ran into the tanker and also caught fire killing all the passengers.
The Commandant of the Federal Road Safety Corps , Benue, Mr Baba Aliyu, told newsmen Monday that 10 bodies had been recovered and over 50 persons taken to hospital at Aliade.
Similarly, the Information Officer, Gwer East Local Government Council, Mr. Christopher Avi, who confirmed the incident said over 50 people were burnt in the tanker fire.
He also said the tanker fire had burnt shops within the environment.
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