The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has confirmed that 10 persons died in the petrol tanker explosion that occurred at Karu Bridge along Abuja / Keffi expressway on Wednesday.
According to the Head Forecasting Response and Mitigation of FEMD, Mark Nyam, while eight bodies were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, one was at the Asokoro District Hospital Morgue and another body was dropped at the National Hospital.
He said that over 30 persons suffered various degrees of burns.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Head, Public Affairs of FEMD, Nkechi Isa on Thursday.
“Some of the victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Keffi and Cedercrest Hospital Abuja for proper care.
“No fewer than 10 vehicles were burnt in the inferno.
“In a statement shortly after a visit to the incident scene, the Ag. Director General of FEMD Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed again appealed to motorists to observe traffic rules and regulations.
“He cautioned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking and poor maintenance of vehicles.
“Abdulrahman appealed to FCT residents to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency,” the statement read.
The Guardian reports that a disturbing trend shows that a staggering 1,896 lives have been lost in 172 oil tanker accidents in Nigeria over the past 16 years.