A tragic tanker explosion near Abuja’s Karu Bridge on Wednesday night destroyed numerous vehicles and sent commuters and locals into a state of widespread panic.
According to reports, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command verified that the incident, which happened at around 7:14 p.m., left 14 vehicles completely burned and claimed six lives.
According to a statement released by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the accident was a catastrophic motor vehicle collision that occurred prior to Nyanya Bridge.
While some witnesses stated that there were more than ten casualties, police stated that six people were pulled from the wreckage but were later pronounced dead at the hospital.
SP Adeh clarified that Karu Division had received a distress call about the tragic scene.
She said, “A Dangote trailer that was approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA while heavily loaded with cement lost control and collided with stationary vehicles stuck in traffic.”
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“Fourteen vehicles were engulfed in a raging inferno after the impact. Drivers and onlookers rushed for safety, causing panic and mayhem.
“Emergency personnel raced to the scene, fighting against the extreme heat and dense smoke to free those who were trapped.”
“Six victims were rescued from the wreckage and taken to the hospital, but sadly, the on-duty medical staff confirmed that they were dead,” she added. The morgue at Karu General Hospital is now home to their remains.
“The fire was contained and normal traffic flow has been restored by police officers working with firefighters, other security agencies, and brave individuals on the scene.”
