A tragic road accident near Nyanya Bridge in Abuja has claimed the lives of six people and left 14 vehicles engulfed in flames, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed.
The incident occurred around 6:58 PM on Wednesday, 19th March, when a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement, lost control while approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic. The impact triggered a massive inferno, causing widespread panic as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety.
“The FCT Police Command deeply regrets to confirm a devastating motor vehicle accident that occurred today, 19th March 2025, at about 6:58 PM before Nyanya Bridge,” said SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer.
“A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene—a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic.
“The impact engulfed fourteen vehicles in a raging inferno. Panic and chaos followed as bystanders and motorists scrambled for safety. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, battling thick smoke and intense heat to rescue those trapped.
“Six victims were pulled from the wreckage and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty. Their remains have been deposited at Karu General Hospital Morgue,” she added.
Police operatives, in collaboration with fire service personnel, other security agencies, and individuals at the scene, managed to contain the blaze and restore normal traffic flow.
“The FCT Police Command extends its deepest condolences to the families of the victims and assures the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the cause of this disaster and prevent future occurrences,” Adeh stated.
She urged motorists to adhere to speed limits, particularly in high-traffic areas, and to report emergencies or suspicious activities through the FCT Command emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08028940883, 07057337653. Complaint Response Unit: 08107314192.
Meanwhile, the Acting Director General of the FCT Emergency Management Department, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, has commiserated with the victims’ families.
According to Nkechi Isa, the department’s Head of Public Affairs, preliminary reports suggest that the accident was caused by an open-body trailer powered by Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).
Some injured victims were treated at the National Hospital, Asokoro Hospital, State House Clinic, Customs Hospital, and Nyanya General Hospital.
Mohammed has urged all drivers to exercise caution and obey traffic rules to prevent such tragic occurrences.
