Tragic Tanker Explosion Rocks Abuja, Many Feared Dead.
A devastating tanker explosion occurred last night near Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi expressway, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured. The tragic incident, which took place during the evening rush hour, caused widespread panic as thick black smoke billowed into the sky, disrupting movement on the busy route in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The explosion was triggered when a petrol-laden tanker lost control and crashed on the bridge, igniting a fire that quickly spread to nearby vehicles. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as motorists and passengers fled in fear. Several subsequent explosions worsened the situation, with at least 30 vehicles reportedly destroyed in the inferno.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and security agencies, swiftly arrived at the scene to assist victims and contain the fire. By 8:30 pm, traffic in both directions of the expressway remained at a standstill as authorities worked to manage the aftermath.
FEMA Identifies CNG Tanker as the Cause
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has identified a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker as the source of the explosion. According to Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMA, the accident occurred when the CNG truck’s driver lost control on the bridge, colliding with other vehicles before erupting in flames.
A statement from Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), confirmed that emergency responders were actively engaged in rescue operations. The statement also revealed that victims were being taken to the State House Clinic, as Asokoro Hospital and the National Hospital had reached capacity.
Eyewitness Accounts and Unfolding Tragedy
While official casualty figures remain unconfirmed, disturbing images and videos of the disaster have flooded social media, depicting the extent of the destruction.
One survivor, Tule Gemanen, recounted his near-death experience on Facebook: “I was inside one of the vehicles, only God saved me. I saw death today—many people died, and cars burned to ashes. The tanker was in the same traffic with us when it suddenly caught fire. The driver jumped out, then the tanker fell and exploded. The car I was in also burned completely.”
As emergency efforts continue, authorities have urged residents to remain cautious while investigations into the cause of the accident progress.
