Another tanker accident kills two on Abuja-Keffi expressway

Barely a day after a tragic accident claimed 10 lives and set multiple vehicles ablaze, another tanker accident has occurred on Thursday at Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.  

The latest incident resulted in the unfortunate loss of two lives but could have escalated into a more significant disaster.

However, the prompt response of the Federal Fire Service helped prevent a potential explosion.

Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Jaji Abduganiyu, who was present at the scene, confirmed the fatalities and the efforts made to contain the situation.

He explained that a trailer carrying fertilizer lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the already congested highway, further worsening the situation at the site of Wednesday’s explosion.

While responding to the incident, he said his operatives identified a looming catastrophe, a fuel tanker stocked in a gridlock had begun leaking its highly flammable content onto the hot asphalt under the scorching sun.

“The potential for an explosion was high, especially with other vehicles in the vicinity that could ignite the volatile fuel,” Abduganiyu stated.

Recognizing the imminent danger, he said his men quickly deployed foam compound over the fuel spill, successfully containing the threat and preventing another deadly inferno.

“This quick and decisive action by my dogged firefighters undoubtedly saved lives and kept the situation from spiraling into an even greater disaster,” the Fire Service boss added.

He extended condolences to the victims’ families and spoke on the need for safty, particularly in high-risk zones like the Abuja-Keffi corridor.

“So far, over 30 victims have sustained varying degrees of burns, with some transferred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja, for intensive care,” he stated.