Hospitals in Abuja, including the National Hospital and Asokoro Hospital, are currently filled with victims from a tanker explosion that occurred on Karu Bridge late Wednesday night.
It was gathered that the explosion, which took place around 7:14 p.m., involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck that lost control and crashed into multiple vehicles, causing a massive fire.
Several people are feared dead, and many others sustained injuries.
Mr. Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), explained that the accident happened when the driver of the CNG truck lost control, colliding with other vehicles on the bridge and triggering the explosion.
Emergency response teams, including FEMA, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), were quickly deployed to the scene to assist victims.
Some of the injured were taken to the State House Clinic for medical attention.
Reacting to the incident, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNG) expressed deep concern and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause.
The PCNG Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the safe use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative and pledged to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure safety measures are strengthened.
The initiative said, “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident.
“While initial reports suggest the involvement of a Bi-Fueled Petrol Tanker, we urge the public to await the outcome of a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
“Preliminary accounts indicate a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank, but it is crucial to avoid speculation until all facts are established.
“The PCNG Initiative remains committed to promoting the safe and sustainable use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative. We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Fire Service, and other stakeholders, to ensure that safety standards are upheld and incidents like this are prevented in the future.
“We commend the swift response of the emergency responders, including FEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue victims and manage the situation.”
Emergency responders continue efforts at the scene, working to rescue victims and contain the situation.
Watch the video below:
WATCH: Many Feared Dead As Fuel-Laden Truck Explodes In Abuja pic.twitter.com/pNyqRHjwZ8
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) March 19, 2025
KanyiDaily also reported how a tanker explosion on Otedola Bridge in Lagos claimed one life and left three others with severe burns.