A petrol-laden tanker exploded on Karu Bridge, near Nyanya, along the Abuja-Keffi Road on Tuesday evening, resulting in massive destruction and sparking fears of multiple casualties.
The explosion, which occurred around 7:14 p.m., was triggered when the tanker transporting Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) reportedly lost control and crashed on the bridge. The impact of the crash ignited a ferocious fire that rapidly spread, consuming multiple vehicles and causing widespread panic among road users and residents in the vicinity.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as people scrambled to safety, with some motorists abandoning their cars to escape the inferno. Reports indicate that at least 30 vehicles were engulfed in flames, leaving behind a trail of destruction.
Emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics, and security operatives, rushed to the scene to contain the situation. Fire service personnel worked tirelessly to put out the raging fire, while medical teams provided urgent care to affected individuals.
Security forces, including military officers and the police, swiftly cordoned off the affected area to prevent further casualties and to redirect traffic away from the danger zone. Commuters were advised to use alternative routes as the accident scene remained a high-risk area.
The exact number of casualties remains unknown as of the time of this report, but concerns are growing over possible fatalities and severe injuries among those caught in the explosion.
In an official statement, the Head of Public Affairs at the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, quoted the Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation, Mark Nyam, who provided details on the accident’s cause.
“A ghastly motor accident has occurred at the Karu Bridge, between Kugbo and Nyanya in the FCT. The accident, which happened at about 7:14 this evening, involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck and several other vehicles.
“The incident was triggered when the driver of the CNG truck lost control on the bridge, colliding with other motorists and leading to a massive explosion,” the statement read.
Authorities have assured the public that investigations are underway to determine the full extent of the damage and the circumstances leading to the tragic incident.
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