- Police Confirm 6 Deaths, 14 Vehicles Burnt
THE FEDERAL Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has confirmed that the explosion at Karu Bridge, which caused a gridlock between Kugbo and Nyanya in Abuja on Wednesday, was caused by a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck.
Mr Mark Nyam, Head of the Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation Division of FEMD, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja.
The statement, signed by the department’s Head of Public Affairs, Mrs Nkechi Isa, Nyam said the incident, involving the CNG truck and other vehicles, occurred at around 7:14pm.
Nyam explained that the accident happened when the driver of the CNG truck lost control and collided with other motorists, leading to multiple explosions.
Nyam disclosed that some of the victims of the incident had been taken to the State House Clinic for treatment.
He explained that the victims were taken to the facility because Asokoro Hospital and the National Hospital were no longer able to accommodate them.
Although details of the casualties were not provided, Nyam stated that the search and rescue teams from FEMD, the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, and the Nigeria Police were on the ground to rescue other victims.
Other agencies at the scene, he said, included the National Emergency Management Agency and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
The FRSC spokesman, Olusegun Ogungbemide, who also confirmed the incident, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the details of the incident were still unclear.
Ogungbemide, however, said that the explosion caused severe gridlock on the route, forcing many fleeing commuters to abandon their vehicles. (NAN)
Conflicting report as police confirm Six dead, 14 vehicles burnt
Meanwhile there are conflicting reports on the cause of the accident as the FCT Police Command confirmed six deaths and the burning of 14 vehicles.
According to the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on Thursday in Abuja, the accident involved a Dangote trailer heavily loaded with cement, which occurred at about 6:58 p.m. on Wednesday.
She explained that the trailer, approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.
“The impact ignited a raging inferno, engulfing 14 vehicles. Panic and chaos ensued as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety.
“Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped.
“Six victims were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,” she said.
Adeh added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue.
She, however, noted that police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel and other security agencies, successfully contained the fire.
The command’s spokesperson confirmed that normal traffic flow had been restored in the area.
She extended the command’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to determine the cause of the accident and prevent future occurrences.
Adeh urged the public to exercise caution, adhere to speed limits, and practice safe driving, especially in high-traffic areas, as such measures could prevent tragedies and save lives.
She also encouraged residents to remain vigilant and report emergencies or suspicious activities to the command through the following contact numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, or 07057337653. (NAN)
FCT Fire Service Account
On its part, the FCT Fire Service (FFS) disclosed that brake failure on the part of a truck conveying Compressed Natural Gas canisters led to Wednesday’s explosions.
The FCT FFS Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Mohammad, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
Mohammad said that the truck, which was headed toward Nyanya axis from AYA, lost control and in the process rammed into several vehicles on the route.
“The impact led to fire which resulted in casualties. Figures of casualties have not been given as rescue operation is still ongoing to see the number of lives that are involved.
“Some vehicles that were burnt to ashes have to be thoroughly investigated to ascertain whether people are trapped inside them and that is why the search is still ongoing even with searchlights as we speak,” he said. (NAN)
