By correspondent in Abuja.
A devastating explosion involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) articulated vehicle has rocked the nation’s capital, Abuja, leaving an unspecified number of dead and many others feared trapped in the wreckage.
Sources told The Reporters that the tragic incident happened on the evening of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, near Karu Bridge, located between Kugbo and Nyanya along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.
Witnesses described the horrific scene as a CNG articulated vehicle struggling to ascend the bridge, lost control and collided with several other vehicles before erupting in a massive explosion.
A chilling video circulating online captured the urgent calls for help, as bystanders reported that motorists were trapped in the flames, some believed to be burning alive.
The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed the tragedy, revealing that the explosion occurred at 7:14 PM.
In an official statement, the FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, shared details from Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation, who explained that the CNG truck had veered out of control and slammed into other vehicles, triggering the catastrophic explosion.
“The accident occurred when the driver of the CNG truck lost control near Karu Bridge, colliding with other motorists, leading to a deadly explosion,” Nyam stated.
Emergency responders from FEMA, the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service, Nigeria Police Force, and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) rushed to the scene in a desperate search for survivors. However, given the severity of the explosion, fears are high that the death toll could be significant.
Authorities have urged motorists to avoid the area while rescue operations continue, and investigations into the cause of the crash are underway.
The full extent of the casualties remains unclear as rescue teams work against the clock to save those still trapped in the debris.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
