The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has announced that ten people perished in a truck explosion near Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi expressway on Wednesday.
Nkechi Isa, FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, verified the figures in a statement issued Thursday afternoon.
The Acting Director General of the Emergency Department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, reported that eight people died as of Thursday morning, with five confirmed dead on the spot and four others burnt beyond recognition.
“Five people were taken dead from the scene yesterday. Out of the people that were injured, one died, making six. Then this morning, when I asked my people to go round, they discovered that two had already died again, making eight. Four of them from yesterday were burnt beyond recognition,” he explained.
However, in her statement, Isa stated that FEMD’s Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation, Mr Mark Nyam, stated that eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Mortuary, one at the Asokoro District Hospital Mortuary, and another at the National Hospital.
He further stated that certain victims had been referred to the Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for medical care.
Part of the statement reads, “The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) can confirm that 10 persons lost their lives to the truck explosion that occurred at Karu Bridge along the Abuja/Keffi motorway.
“The Head of the Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mr Mark Nyam, said eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Mortuary and one body at the Asokoro District Hospital Mortuary, while another body was deposited at the National Hospital.
He informed us that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi, and Cedercrest Hospital, Abuja, for proper care.”
Isa further reported that no fewer than ten vehicles were burnt during the incident and that after visiting the scene, the FEMD boss urged motorists to follow traffic rules and regulations.
He also warned against reckless driving, risky overtaking, and poor car maintenance, asking FCT residents to always call the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency.
