A tragic incident occurred last night when a truck, reportedly carrying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), exploded at Kugbo Hill near Karu Bridge on the busy Abuja-Keffi Road. The explosion, which took place at approximately 7:15 PM, left several commuters burned beyond recognition and destroyed at least six vehicles in its wake.
Eyewitnesses stated that the truck driver lost control while descending toward the bridge, crashing into other vehicles and triggering a massive explosion. The resulting inferno caused severe traffic congestion, with the gridlock extending as far back as AYA Junction in Asokoro. Thousands of commuters heading to areas such as Nyanya and Mararaba were stranded for hours, with many forced to walk long distances to reach their destinations.
The number of fatalities remains unconfirmed, as emergency responders continue to assess the situation. Agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the police were on-site to provide rescue operations, manage the traffic, and control the growing crowd.
Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation at FEMD, highlighted the severity of the accident and its impact on the already congested roadway. Meanwhile, firefighters worked tirelessly to extinguish the flames and prevent further damage.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PCNG) Initiative released a statement expressing profound sadness over the tragedy and extended condolences to the victims and their families. The statement urged the public to await a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
“Initial reports suggest a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank. However, speculation should be avoided until the investigation is complete,” the PCNG office noted.
The PCNG Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative. It pledged to collaborate with agencies such as FEMA, the Federal Fire Service, and other stakeholders to enforce safety measures and prevent similar incidents.
“We commend the rapid response of emergency teams who have been working tirelessly to rescue victims and contain the situation,” the statement added.
This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stricter safety regulations and regular maintenance checks for vehicles transporting hazardous materials to ensure public safety and avoid further loss of life.
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