The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police command say six persons have died and fourteen cars burnt following an explosion at the Karu Bridge in Abuja.
The petroleum tanker explosion occured under the Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi expressway on Wednesday evening, cutting off movement on the busy route.
The explosion occurred during rush hour as commuters were returning from work and other activities
In a statement hours after the incident, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said the accident involved a trailer that lost control and crashed into a stationary vehicle trapped in traffic.
The statement reads, “The impact engulfed fourteen vehicles in a raging inferno. Panic and chaos followed 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.
“Their remains have been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue.”
According to her, with the intervention of the police, fire service personnel, and security agencies, the inferno was contained and normal traffic flow was restored.
“The FCT Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assures the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of this disaster and prevent future occurrences,” she said.
The incident in Abuja adds to the rising spate of explosions across Nigeria in recent months.
