FCT confirms 10 deaths, 30 injured in Abuja truck explosion as Tinubu mourns
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has confirmed that 10 people lost their lives in a tragic truck explosion that occurred Wednesday evening at Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.
In response, President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion, which caused multiple accidents and fatalities in the Karu area.
First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has expressed her condolences to the families of the victims of the explosion.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) also mourned the victims, calling attention to the rising number of tragic incidents in the country, attributing the situation to the worsening state of infrastructure under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) administration.
Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation at FEMD, reported that eight bodies were taken to the Karu Hospital Morgue, one to the Asokoro District Hospital Morgue, and another to the National Hospital. He also confirmed that over 30 people sustained various degrees of burns. Some of the injured have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre in Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja for further treatment.
In addition to the loss of life, at least 10 vehicles were destroyed in the explosion.
Nkechi Isa, Head of Public Affairs at FEMD, stated that the acting Director General of the Department, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations, cautioning against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and poor vehicle maintenance.
The acting Director General also reminded FCT residents to use the 112 emergency toll-free number in case of emergencies.
In a related statement, President Tinubu, through his spokesman Bayo Onanuga, ordered priority medical treatment for those injured in the explosion at various medical facilities in the capital city. The President also instructed security agencies, especially those responsible for road safety, to closely monitor traffic around the entry and exit points of the capital.
President Tinubu extended his prayers for the souls of the deceased and offered his condolences to the families of the victims, asking for divine comfort during this difficult time.
