The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department has confirmed that the number of casualties from Wednesday’s multiple explosions in Karu has increased to 10.
The department’s Acting Director-General, Abdulrahman Mohammed, provided the update in Abuja on Thursday.
The incident occurred when a truck driver lost control near Karu Bridge while heading towards Nyanya on the Abuja-Keffi expressway, crashing into several vehicles caught in traffic.
The impact triggered a massive explosion, resulting in multiple casualties.
According to Mohammed, five people were found dead at the scene, with four bodies severely burnt beyond recognition, while another victim succumbed to injuries at the hospital later that day.
“After my officials conducted further checks this morning, they confirmed that four additional victims passed away in the hospital, bringing the total fatalities to 10,” he stated.
He urged motorists to obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent similar tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMD, Mark Nyam, disclosed that eight bodies were taken to the Karu Hospital morgue, while the Asokoro District Hospital and National Hospital in Abuja received one each.
Nyam further noted that over 30 injured individuals, suffering from varying degrees of burns, are currently receiving medical treatment at different health facilities.