A massive explosion from a gas tanker rocked the Nyanya-Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Wednesday evening, turning rush-hour traffic into chaos and leaving an unconfirmed number of casualties in its wake.
The fire engulfed multiple vehicles, sending plumes of smoke into the sky as horrified commuters scrambled for safety.
The explosion, which occurred during peak hours, quickly escalated into a crisis as successive blasts triggered panic among motorists and pedestrians. Eyewitnesses reported desperate scenes as people fled their cars, while others were trapped in the inferno.
“The flames were intense, and we could hear explosions coming from different vehicles,” said an onlooker who managed to escape the area. “People were running in all directions. It was terrifying.”
Rescue efforts commenced immediately, with emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and security agencies, arriving to contain the situation. First responders worked frantically to assist the injured, while fire service personnel battled the raging flames.
Despite the swift intervention, the disaster had already crippled movement along the expressway.
By 8:30 p.m., traffic was at a complete standstill, with vehicles backed up for kilometers. Many commuters were forced to abandon their cars and seek alternative routes.