A tragic accident occurred in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Wednesday evening when a heavily loaded cement truck lost control, leading to an explosion near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway. The devastating incident claimed six lives and left 14 vehicles burnt beyond recognition, sending shockwaves through the community.
The accident, confirmed by the FCT Police Command, took place at approximately 6:58 p.m. The Dangote trailer, carrying a full load of cement, was on its way toward Nyanya Bridge from AYA when the driver lost control. The truck rammed into stationary vehicles caught in traffic, triggering a powerful explosion that set off a massive fire. The flames spread rapidly, trapping vehicles and their occupants in a nightmarish inferno.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as pure chaos, with people screaming and running for their lives as the fire engulfed the vehicles. The thick, black smoke billowing into the night sky made it difficult to see, and the intense heat made rescue efforts dangerous. Some drivers abandoned their vehicles and fled, while others desperately tried to help those trapped. A survivor recounted how he barely managed to escape, recalling the moment the truck crashed and the explosion followed. The panic that ensued saw people running in all directions, some attempting to douse the flames with water in a futile attempt to control the fire before emergency responders arrived.
Rescue teams, including the FCT Police, Federal Fire Service, and medical personnel, arrived swiftly to contain the disaster. Firefighters battled the raging flames for hours, working tirelessly to prevent further casualties. Despite their best efforts, six individuals could not be saved. Their bodies were recovered from the wreckage and transported to Karu General Hospital’s morgue. Several others who sustained injuries were rushed to medical facilities, including the National Hospital, Asokoro Hospital, State House Clinic, Custom Hospital, and Nyanya General Hospital, where they received emergency treatment.
Authorities swiftly launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to brake failure as a likely factor. The Ag. Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Abdulrahman Mohammed, in a statement, revealed that the truck was powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), which might have intensified the explosion. While the exact cause of the crash is yet to be determined, the FEMD stressed the need for stricter regulations on vehicles transporting hazardous materials.
In the wake of the tragedy, government officials and safety experts have reiterated calls for better enforcement of traffic laws, particularly concerning heavy-duty vehicles. Many residents have expressed frustration over the recurring accidents involving large trucks, with some demanding that authorities take stricter measures to prevent such disasters. A commuter who frequently travels the Abuja-Keffi Expressway lamented that incidents like this have become all too common, often due to poorly maintained vehicles and reckless driving. He called for immediate action to ensure that trucks undergo rigorous mechanical inspections before being allowed on highways.
The issue of road safety has been a growing concern in Nigeria, with numerous accidents linked to overloaded trucks, brake failures, and inadequate driver training. Experts have long warned that without proper regulation and enforcement, such incidents will continue to claim lives. Suggestions have been made to introduce designated lanes for trucks, improve road maintenance, and impose severe penalties on companies that fail to maintain their fleets. Additionally, stakeholders are urging authorities to enforce speed limits and conduct routine checks to ensure that truck drivers are properly licensed and fit to operate heavy-duty vehicles.
As the community mourns the tragic loss of lives, many are calling for justice and accountability. The families of the victims have been left in unimaginable pain, grappling with the reality of losing their loved ones in such a horrific manner. Some are demanding compensation from the trucking company, while others believe that only a complete overhaul of road safety policies will prevent further tragedies.
While authorities have promised to review existing policies and implement stricter regulations, the real challenge lies in enforcement. Many fear that without consistent action, another catastrophe is inevitable. The Abuja-Keffi Expressway, a crucial route for commuters and businesses, has become a site of repeated road tragedies, leaving residents wary every time they set out on a journey.
For now, the nation watches as investigations continue, hoping that this latest disaster will finally prompt meaningful reforms. The need for a safer transportation system has never been more urgent, and until tangible measures are put in place, the fear of another avoidable losses of life lingers.
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