The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has reported that the number of fatalities from Wednesday’s explosions in Karu has risen to 10.
Acting Director-General of the department, Abdulrahman Mohammed, shared the update on Thursday in Abuja.
The tragic incident occurred when a truck driver lost control near Karu Bridge while heading toward Nyanya on the Abuja-Keffi expressway, crashing into several vehicles in traffic.
The collision sparked a major explosion, causing multiple casualties.
Mohammed stated that five victims were found dead at the scene, with four bodies severely burnt beyond recognition. Another individual died while receiving treatment at the hospital.
“This morning, after my officials carried out further checks, they confirmed that four more victims had passed away in the hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to 10,” he said.
He urged drivers to adhere to traffic laws, avoid reckless driving, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent similar accidents.
Additionally, Mark Nyam, Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMD, revealed that eight bodies were taken to Karu Hospital morgue, while Asokoro District Hospital and National Hospital in Abuja received one body each.
Nyam also mentioned that over 30 individuals with varying degrees of burns are undergoing treatment at different medical facilities.