At least six people lost their lives when a gas-laden truck exploded at an Army checkpoint along the Abuja–Lokoja Federal Highway in Kogi State, sending a fireball into the night sky and trapping motorists in a wall of flames.

The incident occurred near the Chikara Division, a busy stretch of the highway that links the Federal Capital Territory with the southern part of the country. Witnesses said the truck, loaded with gas cylinders, was approaching the checkpoint when it suddenly went up in flames, triggering a chain reaction that engulfed nearby vehicles.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama, who confirmed the casualty figure, said the driver of the gas truck and his assistant, commonly referred to as a motor boy, were burnt beyond recognition. Three other trucks caught in the blaze were also destroyed, with their drivers and motor boys killed on the spot, bringing the total number of fatalities to six.

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as motorists abandoned their vehicles and fled into the surrounding bush to escape the inferno. Thick black smoke billowed over the highway as explosions from ruptured gas cylinders echoed across the area.

Police officers, personnel of the Motor Traffic Division, soldiers manning the checkpoint, and officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps quickly moved in to cordon off the scene and battle the fire. Emergency responders worked through the night to prevent the flames from spreading to other vehicles and nearby structures.

The affected trucks, which carried registration numbers from Jigawa State, Lagos State and the Federal Capital Territory, were reduced to twisted metal. Charred debris and shattered glass littered the asphalt, leaving a stark reminder of the intensity of the blast.

The remains of the victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Abaji for identification and further procedures. Authorities also mobilised heavy-duty equipment to remove the burnt-out vehicles from the carriageway, allowing traffic to resume after hours of gridlock.

Preliminary accounts suggest that a leak or mechanical fault may have triggered the explosion as the gas truck approached the checkpoint, though officials have yet to release an official cause. Security and road safety agencies are expected to open a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and to review safety protocols for the movement of hazardous materials along the busy corridor.