Six dead, several vehicles burnt in aftermath of Abuja tanker explosion

A fatal road accident near Nyanya Bridge in Abuja has claimed six lives and destroyed 14 vehicles in a massive fire outbreak, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed.

The incident happened at about 6:58 PM on Wednesday when a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement, lost control while approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA.

The vehicle rammed into stationary cars caught in traffic, leading to a devastating inferno that sent bystanders and motorists into panic.

SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, described the accident as a tragic event that required an urgent emergency response.

“A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene—a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement, had lost control and crashed into vehicles stuck in traffic before Nyanya Bridge,” she stated.

“The impact engulfed 14 vehicles in flames, creating chaos as people scrambled for safety. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped,” she added.

Six victims were rescued and rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by medical personnel. Their remains have been deposited at the Karu General Hospital Morgue.

Security agencies, including the police and fire service, worked together to control the fire and restore normal traffic movement. The FCT Police Command expressed its condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident and prevent similar tragedies.

Drivers were urged to observe speed limits, especially in high-traffic areas, and to report emergencies using the FCT Command’s emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.

Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, extended his sympathies to the affected families.

According to Nkechi Isa, the department’s Head of Public Affairs, preliminary investigations suggest that the accident was caused by an open-body trailer powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

Several injured victims received treatment at National Hospital, Asokoro Hospital, State House Clinic, Customs Hospital, and Nyanya General Hospital.

Mohammed advised all drivers to be cautious and obey traffic rules to prevent further tragedies.