By Ben Adoga, Cross Udo, Abuja
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) yesterday, in a statement, confirmed that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu Bridge along the Abuja/Keffi expressway.
The initial report of deaths from the accident was six.
This came as President Bola Tinubu yesterday directed an investigation into the incident that claimed several lives and injured many others.
The Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr. Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue and one at the Asokoro Distinct Hospital Morgue.
In contrast, another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
FEMD also stated that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
Some victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja for proper care.
Also, it said no fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt during the incident.
Abdulrahman Mohammed, the acting Director General of FEMD, has appealed to motorists to always observe traffic rules and regulations.
He cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and poor maintenance of vehicles.
Abdulrahman appealed to FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in an emergency.
*Tinubu directs investigation into Abuja tanker explosion
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed a thorough investigation into the tanker explosion that resulted in multiple accidents and loss of lives in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday night.
The President has also condoled with family members who lost loved ones in the inferno, which happened at the peak hour.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, explained that Tinubu ordered priority treatment of the injured in various medical facilities in the capital city.
It further said, “The President directed security agencies, particularly those concerned with road safety, to pay closer attention to traffic around the capital city’s entry and exit points.”
Tinubu prayed for the souls of the departed and the grace of the Almighty God to comfort families that have lost their loved ones.
*First Lady mourns victims, tasks articulated vehicle owners on safety
Also, the wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has mourned the victims of the tanker explosion that occurred along the Abuja-Keffi expressway on Wednesday evening.
In a statement issued yesterday, the First Lady, while mourning with the families of the accident victims, called on vehicle owners, especially those with articulated vehicles, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy.
Tinubu, in the statement, said: “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident of the tanker explosion which occurred on Wednesday 19th March 2025 by the Karu Bridge along the Abuja – Keffi Highway which led to the loss of many lives and property.
“I commiserate with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, the families of the deceased and injured, the residents affected by business and property owners, and the people of Abuja.
“I urge owners and drivers of vehicles, especially articulated vehicles, to ensure their roadworthiness and good condition before putting them on the road to avert a reoccurrence of such incidences.
“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 a speedy recovery.”
