Many people lost their lives as a devastating accident rocked Karu Bridge near Nyanya Market, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) when a fully loaded fuel tanker lost control due to brake failure, plowing into multiple vehicles and setting off a catastrophic chain of explosions.
The area where the tanker crashed into quickly turned into an inferno, with massive flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, sending panic across the Nyanyan – Karu axis.
Eye witnesses described a terrifying scene as the tanker, reportedly carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders along with liquid fuel, erupted into a series of violent explosions.
They said that the force of the blasts sent fireballs and debris soaring very high into the sky.
Bystanders who were close to the area before the explosion recounted their frantic attempts to escape as the fire engulfed vehicles on impact.
An eye witness, who barely made it out alive, described the chaotic moments before the explosion:
“I was not too far from where the explosion took place and when I saw the tanker speeding uncontrollably, swerving from side to side before it crashed, I had to run for my life. In seconds, there was a loud blast, and flames spread in all directions,” he said.
Information gathered, revealed that emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, arrived swiftly, battling to contain the raging fire while searching for survivors.
Several vehicles caught in the blast were reduced to charred remains, trapping occupants inside.
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), said that responders battled to rescue victims of explosion and rushed them to various hospitals.
In a statement signed by the Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the departement said that the accident which occurred at about 7.14pm 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 there by running into other motorists and leading to an explosion.
“He noted that the search and rescue team of FEMA, Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and NEMA are ground to rescue the casualties,” she said.
She further said that victims of the explosion have been taken to the State House clinic, because the Asokoro Hospital and the National Hospital can no longer accommodate victims of the incident.
