Six Dead, 25 Injured as Cement Truck Explodes in Multiple-Vehicle Crash
A devastating road accident at Karu Bridge, Abuja, claimed six lives and left 25 others injured on Wednesday evening after a compressed natural gas (CNG)–powered cement truck lost control and exploded in traffic.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the tragic incident, caused by brake failure, led to a multiple-vehicle crash involving 18 vehicles, including two articulated trucks, two buses, one jeep, and 11 cars. Many of the vehicles were severely damaged, with some engulfed in flames.
Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC’s Public Education Officer, confirmed that the crash occurred at approximately 6:58 p.m., with emergency responders—including the FRSC, Red Cross, fire service, and the military—arriving swiftly to assist.
“The crash resulted in a tragic multiple-vehicle collision, leading to the loss of six lives and leaving 25 others injured,” Ogungbemide stated. “Out of the six fatalities, four victims were burnt beyond recognition.”
Injured survivors were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment, while the deceased were transported to the mortuary.
FRSC sector commander Chorrie Muta’a, along with senior officials, was present at the crash site to oversee rescue operations. Shehu Mohammed, the FRSC Corps Marshal, also visited the scene to assess the damage and extend condolences to victims and their families.
Following the tragedy, FRSC officials reiterated the importance of vehicle maintenance and routine safety checks to prevent such disasters.
“The FRSC has been working tirelessly to reduce road crashes through aggressive passenger sensitization and strict enforcement of traffic laws,” Ogungbemide emphasized. “We continue to collaborate with other agencies to promote road safety awareness and prevent similar incidents in the future.”
