A DEVASTATING explosion involving a petrol-laden tanker on Karu Bridge along the Road has resulted in a massive fire, destroying at least 30 vehicles and leaving several motorists feared dead.
The explosion, which occurred on Wednesday evening, was triggered when the tanker, carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), lost control and crashed on the bridge. The impact led to an inferno that rapidly engulfed surrounding vehicles, causing panic among motorists and passengers attempting to flee the scene.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing scene as people scrambled to escape the spreading flames. In a video obtained by The Explainer, a distressed voice could be heard urgently calling for help, confirming that trapped motorists were burning inside their vehicles.
A witness, who identified himself as John Alex, recounted the terrifying moment: “The fire spread so fast. People were trying to run, but many were trapped inside their vehicles. It was a very horrifying sight.”
A heavy deployment of military personnel, police officers, and emergency responders was seen at the scene, working tirelessly to control the situation and rescue victims. First responders, including firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and personnel from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were actively engaged in containing the blaze and evacuating casualties.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed the explosion, noting that the incident occurred at approximately 7:14 pm. In an official statement signed by FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mark Nyam, provided details of the accident:
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“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. According to the Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation division of FEMA, Mr Mark Nyam, the accident occurred when the driver of the CNG truck lost control on the bridge, thereby running into other motorists and leading to an explosion.”
Security officials have cordoned off the affected area, diverting traffic to facilitate emergency operations. However, as of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remained unconfirmed, though fears persist that multiple lives may have been lost.
