Karu Tanker Explodes: Tragedy struck on Wednesday evening near Karu Bridge in Abuja as a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker exploded, leaving several people feared dead and many vehicles burnt.
The horrific incident, which occurred around 7:14 pm along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway between Kugbo and Nyanya, threw the area into chaos as motorists and passersby scrambled for safety.
A distressing video obtained by our correspondent captured the voice of a helpless eyewitness calling for urgent help as motorists were trapped and burning inside their vehicles.
Eyewitnesses at the scene revealed that the tragedy happened when the CNG truck lost control while approaching the Karu Bridge, colliding with several other vehicles before exploding.
Confirming the incident, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), through a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, described the accident as ghastly.
The statement read, “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.”
FEMD confirmed that search and rescue teams comprising the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were on the ground working tirelessly to rescue casualties and manage the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties remains unknown, but the scene has been cordoned off as rescue operations continue.