A truck explosion near Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway left six dead and 14 vehicles burnt. The accident, caused by a Dangote trailer losing control, led to a massive fire. Authorities are investigating, and victims' families have been consoled. Drivers are urged to follow traffic rules.

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed the tragic deaths of six individuals and the destruction of 14 vehicles following a truck explosion near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Wednesday evening.

According to The PUNCH, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) reported that the incident occurred at 7:14 p.m. when a truck lost control and collided with other vehicles, leading to an explosion and a massive fire. However, a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, indicated that the accident happened at 6:58 p.m. The statement further clarified that the incident involved a Dangote trailer loaded with cement that lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles caught in traffic while approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA.

SP Adeh revealed that the impact of the crash ignited a fire that engulfed 14 vehicles. Six victims were retrieved from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but they were pronounced dead by medical personnel.

In a formal statement, the FCT Police Command expressed deep regret over the tragedy:
“The FCT Police Command deeply regrets to confirm a devastating motor vehicle accident that occurred today, March 19, 2025, at about 6:58 p.m. before Nyanya Bridge.

“A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene—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.”

The FCT Police Command extended its condolences to the victims' families and assured the public that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. The police also urged residents to exercise caution while driving and adhere to speed limits to prevent similar incidents.

In response to the tragedy, the Acting Director General of the FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, conveyed his condolences to the affected families. A statement issued by the FEMD's Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, described the accident as a disaster that "claimed several lives and destroyed multiple vehicles." The statement also revealed that the incident was caused by "an open-body trailer powered by Compressed Natural Gas."

Victims of the accident were taken to various medical facilities, including the National Hospital, Asokoro Hospital, State House Clinic, Customs Hospital, and Nyanya General Hospital, for treatment. Firefighters from both the FCT Fire Service and the Federal Fire Service were present to control the fire.

Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed appealed to drivers to exercise caution and obey traffic regulations to prevent future occurrences.