TheCable

Many people were reportedly killed after a tanker laden with petrol exploded in Gwer east local government area of Benue state on Monday.

Properties worth millions of naira were also razed in the inferno.

The tanker was said to have fallen while trying to avoid potholes on the Alliade-Makurdi federal highway in Ahumbe village.

A witness said the tanker was heading to Markudi, the state capital, when the tragic incident occurred.

After the vehicle fell, some residents were said to have rushed to the scene to scoop fuel, triggering the explosion.

An official of the fire service who was among the team delegated to put out the inferno was among those who lost their lives.

Those who sustained injuries in the incident are recuperating in the hospital.