The Federal Fire Service (FFS) prevented another major disaster on Thursday at Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway — just 24 hours after a deadly gas explosion at the same location left 10 dead and 30 injured.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji Abduganiyu, led his team to avert the fresh crisis, which could have resulted in casualties and damage on the same scale as the previous day’s incident.
According to reports, while the FFS team was inspecting the wreckage from Wednesday’s explosion — caused by a tumbled CNG tanker — a trailer carrying fertilizer lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the already congested highway.
Engr. Abduganiyu confirmed that two people lost their lives in the fresh accident. He described the situation as highly volatile, with a fuel tanker caught in the chaos beginning to spill its contents onto the hot asphalt under intense sunlight — significantly increasing the risk of another explosion. “The potential for an explosion was high, especially with other vehicles in the vicinity that could have ignited the volatile fuel,” Abduganiyu said.
Recognizing the urgency, the FFS chief immediately alerted the nearest fire station for backup. His team swiftly deployed foam compound over the fuel spill, containing the threat and preventing a catastrophic blaze. “This quick and decisive action by my team undoubtedly saved lives and prevented the situation from escalating into a greater disaster,” he added.
Abduganiyu expressed his condolences to the victims and their families, urging increased caution and stricter safety measures on the nation’s highways, particularly in high-risk zones. “We must remain vigilant and prepared to respond rapidly to prevent further loss of life,” he stated.
Reflecting on Wednesday’s incident, he confirmed that over 30 victims sustained varying degrees of burns, with some transferred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja for intensive care.
Abduganiyu commended the expertise and professionalism of the Federal Fire Service team for their swift response, noting that their efforts restored safety to the accident site and prevented further devastation. “The Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences,” he concluded.
