How Massive Explosion Brought Abuja To Standstill, Motorists, Vehicles Burnt

By Philip Yatai

Chaos erupted in Abuja on Wednesday evening as a devastating explosion at Karu Bridge sent shockwaves through the city, leaving commuters stranded and emergency responders scrambling to contain the crisis.

The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed that the catastrophic blast was triggered by a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck that lost control, colliding with multiple vehicles before erupting into flames.

Eyewitnesses described a scene of horror, with motorists abandoning their vehicles and running for their lives as the explosion sent fireballs and thick smoke billowing into the sky.

The blast caused a massive gridlock between Kugbau and Nyanya, leaving thousands stranded.

Mark Nyam, Head of the Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation Division of FEMD, revealed that the accident struck at approximately 7:14 p.m., igniting an inferno that engulfed vehicles and sent terrified commuters fleeing.

Emergency teams rushed victims to the State House Clinic, as Asokoro Hospital and the National Hospital were already overwhelmed.

The number of casualties remains uncertain, but authorities confirm that search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.

Personnel from FEMD, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, and the Nigeria Police are battling to secure the area, while the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) have been deployed to manage the unfolding crisis.

The explosion triggered a traffic nightmare, bringing movement on the affected route to a complete halt.

FRSC spokesman Olusegun Ogungbemide described the situation as “severe,” confirming that panicked motorists left their cars behind, worsening the congestion.

Authorities are yet to provide an official casualty report, but the extent of destruction and panic signals yet another grim tragedy in the heart of the capital city. (NAN)