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•FCT confirms another accident under Karu bridge
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic tanker explosion that occurred on March 19, 2025, along the Abuja-Keffi Highway near Karu Bridge.
“I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of the tanker explosion… which led to the loss of many lives and property,” she said in a statement she personally signed.
A driver of a truck on Wednesday, lost control around the same bridge and rammed into vehicles in a traffic jam.
The collision led to a massive explosion involving several vehicles leading to the death of 10 persons with more than 30 injured and receiving treatment in different health facilities.
She commiserated with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the families of the deceased and injured, and the people of Abuja.
Mrs Tinubu urged vehicle owners and drivers, particularly those operating articulated vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy to prevent similar incidents.
She prayed for eternal rest for the deceased and speedy recovery for the injured, stating, “I pray Almighty God grants the souls of the departed eternal rest and their family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. To the injured, I wish them speedy recovery”.
She also praised emergency responders, including the FCT Emergency Management Department and the Nigeria Police Force, for their swift response in managing the situation.
The First Lady prayed for eternal rest for the deceased and strength for their loved ones, while wishing speedy recovery to the injured.
Meanwhile, Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has committed to foot the medical bills of victims.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the minister extended his condolences to the families of those affected by the sad incident.
Wike had described the incident as avoidable said. “It is painful that precious lives were lost and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided.”
He urged road users, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to be cautious and adhere strictly to speed limits.
Wike also called on the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to intensify efforts to ensure compliance with traffic rules.
Wike detailed the immediate response to the accident. “On my directive, the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Adedolapo Fasawe, was at Asokoro District Hospital, where she helped attend to the 17 casualties. After initial stabilization, seven were referred to the National Hospital, six with minor injuries were treated successfully, and three with severe injuries are receiving ongoing care. Unfortunately, one casualty with third-degree burns passed away during resuscitation,” he noted.
This gesture aligns with Wike’s previous efforts to support victims of accidents and disasters in Abuja, including his directive for free medical treatment for victims of a stampede at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Maitama.
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has confirmed another accident on Thursday, under Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.
The acting Director-General of the department, Mr Abdulrahman Mohammed, who made the confirmation in a statement in Abuja on Thursday, said no life was lost.
Mohammed explained that the accident occurred when a truck laden with fertilizer rammed into a Toyota Hijet truck and a refuse dump truck.
He said that the officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps have towed the affected trucks away to avoid traffic built up.
The D-G appealed to drivers to obey traffic regulations and drive with caution to stay alive.
