The Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Police Command has confirmed that six persons died and fourteen cars were burnt following an explosion at the Karu Bridge in Nigeria’s capital on Wednesday.
In a statement hours after the incident, the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, said the accident involved a trailer that lost control and crashed into a stationary vehicle trapped in traffic.
Although eyewitnesses said more than 10 persons died, the police said six victims were pulled out of the wreckage of burnt vehicles and were confirmed dead in the hospital.
The PPRO explained that a distress call was received on Wednesday evening by Karu Division regarding a horrifying scene.
According to her, a “Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.
“The impact engulfed fourteen vehicles in a raging inferno. Panic and chaos followed as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety.
“Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped.”
“Six victims were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty. Their remains have been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue.
“Police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, other security agencies, and courageous individuals at the scene, contained the inferno, and normal traffic flow has been restored”, the statement added.
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