Police said the six victims were pulled out of the wreckage of burnt vehicles and confirmed dead in the hospital.
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed that a devastating motor vehicle accident that occurred on Wednesday night in Abuja, claimed six lives and 14 cars.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh.
TheNiche had earlier reported that an unconfirmed number of persons were feared to have died after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanker exploded near Karu Bridge in Abuja on Wednesday evening.
Speaking via a statement, the Head of Public Affairs of The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), Nkechi Isa, explained that the accident occurred when the driver of the CNG truck lost control and collided with other vehicles, leading to the explosion.
“A ghastly motor accident has occurred at the Karu bridge between Kugbo and Nyanya in the FCT. The accident, which occurred at about 7.14 this evening, involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck and other vehicles.” the statement read.
Confirming the accident and casualties, the statement from FCT police PPRO noted that 14 vehicles were burnt.
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Although eyewitnesses said more than 10 persons died, the police said six victims were pulled out of the wreckage of burnt vehicles and were confirmed dead in the hospital.
Adeh further explained that a distress call was received on Wednesday evening by Karu Division regarding a horrifying scene.
According to her, a “Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.
“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.
“Police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, other security agencies, and courageous individuals at the scene, contained the inferno, and normal traffic flow has been restored.”
