A tragic accident near Abuja has claimed the lives of at least six people and left several others injured after a trailer carrying cement lost control and ploughed into 14 vehicles near the Nyanya Bridge. The devastating crash triggered a massive inferno, leaving rescue teams scrambling to contain the situation.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer was speeding down the steep incline approaching Nyanya when the driver appeared to lose control of the vehicle. It subsequently rammed into multiple cars, sparking an explosion that engulfed the surrounding area in flames.
“I saw the trailer swerving before it hit the first vehicle. Within seconds, there was fire everywhere,” said Yusuf Mohammed, a commuter who narrowly escaped the accident. “People were screaming, trying to get out of their cars.”
Emergency responders, including personnel from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and the Fire Service, arrived at the scene to battle the raging fire and evacuate victims. The authorities confirmed that six people were killed on the spot, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Preliminary investigations suggest that brake failure may have caused the accident. Officials have urged commercial drivers to conduct regular maintenance on heavy-duty vehicles to prevent such tragedies.
Reacting to the incident, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that measures would be taken to improve road safety along accident-prone routes. He also called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations for heavy-duty vehicles within the FCT.
Traffic congestion around Nyanya and neighboring areas worsened significantly in the aftermath of the crash, with motorists stranded for hours as rescue operations continued. Authorities have since cleared the wreckage, but commuters are advised to expect residual delays in the area.
This latest incident adds to the growing concerns over road safety in Nigeria, where poorly maintained vehicles and reckless driving contribute to frequent fatal accidents. The FRSC has reiterated its commitment to enforcing stricter compliance with roadworthiness regulations to prevent further tragedies.
As investigations continue, officials have urged eyewitnesses and survivors to come forward with any additional information that may assist in understanding the full circumstances of the accident.
