Etim Ekpimah
Twenty-five persons have been confirmed dead in the petrol tanker fire explosion at Felele along the Lokoja-Abuja Highway on Wednesday.
It was learnt that the tanker belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) experienced brakes failure around 8am, which resulted in the burst tyre igniting.
The tanker was said to have fallen on five cars, two motorbikes and three tricycles, killing all occupants.
Earlier it was reported that 10 persons died in the accident including a primary school student.
From the update which has now been released, casualty figure stands at 25.
Five students of Kogi State Polytechnic and three nursery school pupils were said to be among those burnt beyond recognition.
A businessman identified simply as Samson and who was going to work with five members of his family died in the accident.
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived at the scene around 10 am.
It was also learnt that two of those who were taken to hospital died in the hospital.
The official of the Kogi State government said those burnt beyond recognition would be given mass burial.
The Kogi State governor, Yaha Bello said the accident was unfortunate and sad. He asked the students of Kogi State Polytechnic to be calm.
FRSC sector commander, Idris Ali, confirmed the casualty figure, adding that one child escaped with injuries.