The National Hospital and Asokoro Hospital in Abuja are currently overwhelmed with victims of a devastating gas explosion that occurred on Wednesday night at Karu Bridge.
The explosion, which took place around 7:14 p.m., resulted from a crash involving a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck and multiple vehicles.
According to Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the tragic incident unfolded when the driver of the CNG truck lost control while crossing the bridge, ramming into other motorists and triggering a powerful explosion.
Emergency response teams, including personnel from FEMA, the Federal Fire Service, the FCT Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct search and rescue operations. Some of the injured victims were also rushed to the State House Clinic for urgent medical attention.
In response to the incident, the Presidential CNG Initiative (PCNG) expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, pledging to ensure a thorough investigation into its cause.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the initiative extended condolences to the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for factual clarity before drawing conclusions.
"While initial reports suggest the involvement of a bi-fueled petrol tanker, we urge the public to await the outcome of a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident," the statement read.Â
"Preliminary accounts indicate a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank, but speculation should be avoided until all facts are established.", the statement added.
Reaffirming its commitment to safety, the PCNG Initiative stressed its dedication to promoting the secure and sustainable use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative.
It also assured collaboration with relevant agencies, including FEMA and the Federal Fire Service, to enforce safety protocols and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The PCNG Initiative commended the prompt intervention of emergency responders, acknowledging the tireless efforts of FEMA, NEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other first responders in managing the situation and providing aid to affected individuals.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities have urged the public to remain patient and vigilant, prioritizing safety measures to prevent further incidents.
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