A tanker transporting petrol exploded at Karu Bridge, close to Nyanya, on the Abuja-Keffi Road in Abuja.
The blast resulted in the destruction of at least 30 vehicles, sparking concerns over potential casualties.
The tanker, reportedly carrying compressed natural gas cylinders along with liquid fuel, careened into multiple vehicles, triggering a deadly chain of explosions.
Flames and thick smoke billowed into the sky, spreading panic among commuters and residents.
The sheer force of the blasts sent fireballs and debris soaring as high as 700 meters, with fragments landing nearly 900 meters away—evoking memories of major industrial disasters.
Survivors described the terrifying moments leading up to the explosion.
One witness, who barely escaped, recounted, “I saw the tanker speeding uncontrollably, swerving from side to side before it crashed. In seconds, there was a loud blast, and flames spread in all directions.”
Emergency responders arrived swiftly, battling the raging inferno and working to rescue survivors. Several vehicles caught in the explosion were completely incinerated, trapping those inside.
Authorities have yet to release an official casualty count, but with the extent of destruction, fears of heavy loss of life persist.
The intense heat and force of the explosion also caused significant damage to nearby structures, leaving a devastating impact on the area.
As emergency teams assess the full extent of the disaster, the tragedy has once again raised pressing concerns about the risks of transporting highly flammable materials through densely populated regions.
