The FCT Fire Service has reported that a truck carrying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) canisters experienced brake failure, which resulted in a series of explosions at Karu Bridge in Abuja.
In an interview with reporters, the Public Relations Officer Ibrahim Mohammad explained that the truck, while traveling toward the Nyanya axis from AYA, lost control and collided with several vehicles, igniting a fire that caused casualties.
Although the exact number of casualties has yet to be determined due to ongoing rescue operations, efforts are being made to thoroughly investigate the burned vehicles to check for anyone trapped inside. Mohammad assured that once the search is completed, the casualty figures would be released.
Meanwhile, fire services from both the federal and FCT authorities, alongside other agencies, are actively engaged in the operational response at the scene.
“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
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“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.
Scene of the CNG explosion at Karu Bridge, Abuja
The spokesperson , however , gave an assurance that once proper search had been concluded, the number of casualties will be disclosed.
He added that the Federal and FCT fire services alongside other sister agencies were at the scene to carry ou operation.
Earlier, The Trumpet reported that In total, the incident involved 18 vehicles, including two articulated lorries, two buses, a jeep, and eleven cars, many of which were severely damaged or destroyed by fire.
Also, it confirmed six fatalities and reported that 25 others sustained injuries as a result of the crash, which occurred around 6:58 pm due to the initial brake failure.
