A devastating tanker explosion occurred on Wednesday evening in the Karu-Kugbo axis, along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi expressway, North-central Nigeria, resulting in a massive fire that engulfed numerous vehicles, raising concern over possible casualties.
The explosion occurred during the evening rush hour when a tanker transporting fuel reportedly lost control and crashed. Commuters who escaped the incident revealed that the tanker veered uncontrollably before overturning and erupting into flames.
The ensuing fire rapidly spread to surrounding vehicles, leading to a series of secondary explosions that intensified the blaze.
While official casualty figures are yet to be confirmed, reports indicate that several vehicles and properties were destroyed in the inferno.
The Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi route is one of the busiest in the FCT, with severe traffic congestion, especially in the evenings, along the expressway, a major route for commuters between the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states.
Pandemonium erupted at the scene as motorists and passengers attempted to escape the flames. Some individuals were reportedly trapped in their vehicles, raising fears of multiple fatalities.
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), fire services, and other security agencies, have arrived to manage the situation with firefighters battling the blaze. The affected area was cordoned off, and traffic was diverted to facilitate rescue operations.
The incident caused many motorists and commuters to abandon their vehicles and continue their journeys on foot to avoid the gridlock.
The persistent tanker explosion in the country necessitates stringent safety measures in the transportation of hazardous materials to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Before now, experts have called for improved road safety regulations and better enforcement to mitigate the risks associated with transporting flammable substances through densely populated areas.
Another tanker explosion occurred in Lagos two weeks ago, claiming the lives and properties of commuters and residents.
A tanker explosion on the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi expressway in Nigeria resulted in a massive fire that engulfed multiple vehicles, causing chaos during the evening rush hour. The tanker, carrying fuel, lost control and overturned, leading to secondary explosions that intensified the blaze. While official casualties remain unconfirmed, reports suggest significant destruction of vehicles and properties, with fears of fatalities as some individuals were reportedly trapped.
Emergency responders, including firefighters and federal safety personnel, quickly arrived to control the situation, cordoning off the area and diverting traffic to facilitate rescue operations. The incident highlights the urgent need for stringent safety measures in transporting hazardous materials to prevent future tragedies. This follows a similar tanker explosion in Lagos two weeks ago, which claimed lives and properties, underscoring the need for improved road safety regulations.