Abuja Explosion Death Toll Rises to 10, Officials Urge Caution on Roads

By: Manoah Kikekon 

Abuja explosion [Photo credit: Leadership]

The death toll from Wednesday’s multiple explosions in Karu, Abuja, has risen to 10, according to the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD).  

Acting Director-General of the FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, provided the update on Thursday, revealing that the tragic incident occurred when a truck driver lost control near the Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi expressway. The truck collided with vehicles stuck in traffic, triggering a massive explosion that engulfed several cars. 

Mr. Mohammed stated that five victims were pronounced dead at the scene, with four bodies burnt beyond recognition. Another victim succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment on Wednesday.  

“This morning, when I asked my officials to go round, they discovered that four others had died in the hospital. This brings the death toll to 10,” he explained.  

The FEMD official also urged motorists to prioritize safety by adhering to traffic rules, avoiding reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and ensuring proper vehicle maintenance.  

Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMD, provided further details, stating that eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital morgue, one at Asokoro District Hospital Morgue, and another at the National Hospital, Abuja.  

He added that over 30 victims with varying degrees of burns are currently receiving treatment at multiple health facilities.  

The tragic incident has prompted renewed calls for caution on the roads. Authorities emphasized the importance of responsible driving to prevent such avoidable accidents in the future.

(NAN)