Four persons on Monday died in a crash involving a vehicle said to be conveying illegally refined diesel at Ekuigbo Junction, Ughelli, in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred in the early hours of the day, as the driver of the Toyota Sienna, who was said to be fleeing arrest, suddenly lost control and rammed into a parked truck, thus causing an explosion.
Those praying beside the parked truck also got burnt, Punch reported.
A video clip of the incident showed the charred remains of the victims covered with leaves.
The accident scene was cordoned off by security agencies.
The Ughelli Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Ikechukwu Ken, confirmed the tragedy, adding that it occurred around 6.14am.
He explained that the four persons who died included the driver of the vehicle and occupants of the truck.
“As a matter of fact, four people were burnt beyond recognition at that point,” he added.
The FRSC officer advised drivers and commuters to avoid carrying inflammatory products in their vehicles and avoid speeding.