A truck transporting Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) canisters suffered a brake failure and crashed into multiple vehicles along the Abuja-Keffi expressway, leading to a series of explosions on Wednesday, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has confirmed.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the FCT Fire Service Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Mohammad, stated that the truck was heading towards the Nyanya axis from AYA when it lost control.
“As a result of the impact on the vehicles and its own CNG-loaded containers, the canisters started flying out of the truck. Anywhere they landed, even as far as 900 meters away, there was an explosion,” Mohammad explained.
The fire from the explosions resulted in casualties, although the exact number remains unknown as rescue operations continue.
“Some vehicles were burnt beyond recognition, and we need to conduct thorough investigations to determine if people were trapped inside. That is why the search is still ongoing, even with searchlights as we speak,” he added.
Mohammad assured that once the search and rescue efforts are completed, authorities will provide an official casualty count.
Firefighters from the Federal and FCT Fire Services, alongside other emergency response agencies, are currently on the scene managing the situation.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution while using the Abuja-Keffi expressway, as emergency response teams work to clear the area and prevent further incidents.
