President Bola Tinubu has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragic tanker explosion that caused multiple accidents and claimed lives along the Abuja-Keffi highway in Karu on Wednesday night. The explosion, which occurred during peak hours, resulted in several fatalities and left many others with serious injuries.
In an official statement released by his Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. He also directed that priority be given to the medical treatment of the injured in various hospitals across the capital. Additionally, the President called for heightened security and safety measures, particularly around key traffic entry and exit points to and from Abuja.
The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGI) also visited the accident site on Thursday to assess the incident. Initial reports had incorrectly claimed that the tanker was transporting CNG tubes; however, further investigation revealed that the truck was actually carrying cement and had been powered by compressed gas. The explosion was not linked to the newly introduced fuel but was attributed to a brake failure, which caused the truck to collide with several vehicles.
PCNGI Chief Executive Officer, Michael Oluwagbemi, while inspecting the scene, called for stricter safety protocols for commercial drivers and better monitoring of articulated trucks. He emphasized the importance of driver safety training, including safety and evacuation procedures, and recommended a proper licensing system to ensure compliance. He also reassured the public about the safety of compressed natural gas vehicles and called for the establishment of a Nigerian Gas Vehicle Monitoring System (NGVMS) to enhance oversight.
Meanwhile, the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) condemned the incident, attributing it to the poor management of urban infrastructure under the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government. The PDP called for a nationwide investigation into the explosion and similar incidents, demanding improved road safety measures. They also commended the efforts of rescue teams, including the Police, Federal Road Safety Corps, and other agencies.
The death toll from the explosion has now risen to 10, with over 30 people suffering varying degrees of burns. The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed that several victims were transferred to hospitals for further treatment. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, pledged to cover the medical expenses for the victims and expressed his regret over the avoidable tragedy. He also called on heavy-duty vehicle drivers to adhere to traffic regulations and exercise caution while on the road.
