A catastrophic accident rocked the Karu Bridge near Nyanya, Abuja, after a fully loaded fuel tanker suffered brake failure, ramming into several vehicles and igniting a massive inferno.
Witnesses report that the impact was immediate, as flames engulfed the crash site, triggering multiple explosions that sent debris flying across the area.
According to early reports, the tanker was carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders in addition to liquid fuel.
Several powerful explosions were recorded, with fireballs and shrapnel soaring as high as 700 meters into the sky. Some projectiles were reportedly flung up to 900 meters from the crash site, resembling the devastating force seen in previous industrial disasters.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as people scrambled for safety. Several vehicles were instantly consumed by the fire, trapping occupants inside.
Emergency responders, including fire service personnel and medical teams, rushed to the scene to contain the blaze and assist victims.
“I saw the tanker coming at high speed, swerving dangerously before it crashed. Within seconds, there was an explosion, and fire spread everywhere,” said a survivor who managed to escape from a nearby vehicle.
While the full extent of casualties remains unclear, officials fear significant loss of life due to the intensity of the explosions. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of victims, but multiple injuries and fatalities are expected. The inferno also caused heavy damage to nearby structures and vehicles.
