The accident occurred when a driver lost control of a truck carrying petrol due to a brake failure that saw the vehicle swerve off the road, overturn and catch fire on the Lokoja-Abuja highway, local reports said.

Among those burnt to death are school children, traders and pedestrians along Lokoja, according to local officials.

Nigeria frequently reports deadly road accidents, usually caused by bad condition of roads, overloading and reckless driving. (ILKHA)