Another tanker accident occurred on Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, resulting in two fatalities. This incident happened just a day after a previous accident on the same route claimed 10 lives.
The latest accident involved a trailer carrying fertilizer that experienced brake failure and overturned, obstructing the already congested highway and exacerbating traffic conditions following the previous day’s explosion.
Jaji Abduganiyu, Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, confirmed the two deaths at the scene. He explained that a fuel tanker trapped in the resulting traffic jam began leaking fuel onto the hot asphalt, posing a significant risk of explosion under the intense sun.
“The potential for an explosion was high, especially with other vehicles in the vicinity that could ignite the volatile fuel,” Abduganiyu stated.
Firefighters responded quickly, deploying foam compound to cover the fuel spill and prevent a potential fire.
“This quick and decisive action by my firefighters undoubtedly saved lives and kept the situation from spiraling into an even greater disaster,” the Fire Service boss added.
He expressed condolences to the victims’ families and emphasized the need for increased caution, particularly in high-risk areas like the Abuja-Keffi corridor. He reported that over 30 individuals had sustained varying degrees of burns from the prior day’s incident, with some receiving intensive care at Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja.
Abduganiyu reiterated the Federal Fire Service’s commitment to rapid emergency response to mitigate the consequences of such incidents.
