Deadly Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Accident Caused by CNG-Powered Dangote Truck Brake Failure, Several Vehicles Burnt

A deadly accident occurred at Kugbo Hill, near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Road, on Wednesday, March 19, after a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered truck lost control. The incident reportedly happened around 7:15 p.m. It triggered a massive fire that led to casualties and the destruction of several vehicles.

While initial reports suggested a petrol tanker carrying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was involved, News Central correspondent Joshua Imarayi, reporting live from the scene, clarified that it was a Dangote cement truck powered by CNG. Witnesses said the truck suffered brake failure and rammed into multiple vehicles before bursting into flames.

During the time of the report, 16 small vehicles had been severely damaged, and at least six people were confirmed dead. It was unclear whether the truck driver survived, as some victims were charred beyond recognition. Firefighters from the Federal and FCT Emergency Services struggled to contain the inferno. At the same time, officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) worked to clear the wreckage and assist survivors.

The accident caused a severe traffic gridlock that stretched as far as AYA Junction in Asokoro, forcing many commuters to abandon their vehicles and trek home. The Head of Forecasting Response and Mitigation at FEMD, Mark Nyam, described the scene as chaotic and added that authorities were still assessing the full extent of the damage.

In a statement, the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (PCNG) Initiative sympathised with the accident victims and urged the public to await the outcome of an official investigation.

Preliminary accounts indicate a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank, but it is crucial to avoid speculation until all facts are established, the PCNG office stated.

The accident has, however, reignited debate over the safety of CNG-powered vehicles in Nigeria, a technology the government has been promoting as a cheaper and cleaner alternative to petrol. Authorities have stated that a full investigation will be conducted to determine the exact cause of the accident.

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