A deadly tanker explosion near Karu Bridge in Abuja on Wednesday evening has left several people feared dead, with many others trapped in burning vehicles.
The tragic incident occurred at around 7:14 pm along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, between Kugbo and Nyanya, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck lost control and collided with multiple vehicles, leading to a massive explosion.
Eyewitnesses reported that several motorists were engulfed in flames, with thick black smoke billowing into the sky as emergency responders rushed to the scene.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa. According to Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation at FEMD, the accident happened when the driver of the CNG truck lost control on the bridge, crashing into other vehicles before erupting into flames.
“A ghastly motor accident has occurred at the Karu Bridge between Kugbo and Nyanya in the FCT. The accident, which occurred at about 7:14 this evening, involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck and other vehicles,” the statement read.
Emergency response teams, including the FEMD search and rescue unit, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were swiftly deployed to contain the fire and rescue victims.
As of press time, the exact number of casualties remains unclear, but authorities say several people were trapped in burning vehicles, sparking fears of multiple fatalities.
Motorists and commuters along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway faced heavy gridlock as rescue operations continued late into the night.
Authorities have urged road users to exercise caution and remain patient as emergency teams work to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.
This tragic incident comes amid increasing concerns over road safety and the handling of hazardous cargo on Nigerian highways. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full cause of the accident and possible lapses in road safety regulations
