Many feared dead as CNG powered fuel tanker crashes, explodes in Abuja

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

Many feared roasted to death as Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) powered fuel tanker crashed, with a devastating effect.

Report has it that about six cars were razed as a result of the inferno which occurred at Kugbo Hill, by Karu Bridge, near Nyanya market along the Abuja-Keffi Road.

Eye witnesses said the accident occurred about 7.15 pm.

According to preliminary report, the tanker was conveying fuel when it lost control due to brake failure, plowing into multiple vehicles and setting off a catastrophic chain of explosions.

The crash site quickly turned into an inferno, with massive flames and thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky, sending panic across the area.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the tanker, reportedly carrying compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinders along with liquid fuel, erupted into a series of violent explosions.

The force of the blasts sent fireballs and debris soaring as high as 700 meters, with some projectiles landing nearly 900 meters away, reminiscent of major industrial disasters.

Survivors recounted their frantic attempts to escape as the fire engulfed vehicles on impact.

One witness, who barely made it out alive, described the chaotic moments before the explosion:

“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, including fire service personnel and medical teams, arrived swiftly, battling to contain the raging fire while searching for survivors.

Several vehicles caught in the blast were reduced to charred remains, trapping occupants inside.

Authorities have yet to provide an official casualty figure, but with the intensity of the explosions and the destruction at the scene, fears of significant loss of life are mounting.

The inferno also caused extensive damage to nearby structures, leaving behind a grim trail of destruction.

As officials work to assess the full impact, residents and commuters remain in shock over the tragic incident, raising renewed concerns about the safety of fuel transportation through densely populated areas.

Head of Public Affairs, FEMD, Nkechi Isa, said officials of Federal Road Safety Corps and FEMD, National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) and other security operatives were at the scene to control vehicular and crowd movement and to rescue the casualties.

Meanwhile, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PCNG) Initiative, in a statement said it was deeply saddened by the tragic accident on the Karu Bridge between Kugbo and Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident. While initial reports suggest the involvement of a Bi-Fueled Petrol Tanker, we urge the public to await the outcome of a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.

“Preliminary accounts indicate a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank, but it is crucial to avoid speculation until all facts are established,’’ the PCNG office stated.

The PCNG initiative remains committed to promoting the safe and sustainable use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative.

“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Fire Service, and other stakeholders, to ensure that safety standards are upheld and incidents like this are prevented in the future.

“We commend the swift response of the emergency responders, including FEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue victims and manage the situation,” it stated.