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Tragedy struck again at Karu Bridge in Abuja on Friday when a fully loaded cement truck reportedly lost control while descending the steep Kugbo Hill and crashed into multiple vehicles, leaving several people feared dead and many others injured.
Eyewitnesses who were present at the scene recounted that the truck, believed to be speeding, suddenly lost its brakes and veered uncontrollably into the path of oncoming vehicles. The impact of the crash left several cars mangled, with bodies and debris scattered across the road.
According to one eyewitness, the driver appeared to be struggling with the brakes as he descended the hill. “We saw the truck coming at high speed from the hill. It didn’t even slow down. Within seconds, it rammed into the cars in front,” the witness said, visibly shaken.
The driver of the truck reportedly fled the scene after the crash. However, he was later apprehended by a group of commercial motorcyclists near the Karu Roundabout and handed over to the authorities for questioning.
Rescue operations began shortly after the incident as officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Police, and sympathisers rushed to the scene to assist victims and control the growing traffic congestion caused by the accident.
As of the time of this report, the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed. However, multiple bodies were seen being evacuated from the scene, and several survivors with serious injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals.
The crash caused massive gridlock along the Abuja-Keffi expressway, with many commuters stuck for hours. Emergency responders struggled to clear the wreckage from the road as night approached.
This tragic incident comes just weeks after a similar accident involving a Dangote trailer occurred at the same Karu Bridge location. That crash also claimed lives and raised serious concerns about the safety of the descending hill and the condition of heavy-duty trucks operating in the area.
Residents and road users have repeatedly called on the government to implement strict safety measures on the Kugbo Hill axis, especially for trucks and trailers. Many are now renewing their pleas following Friday’s fatal crash.
“We can’t keep losing innocent lives because of brake failures and reckless driving,” a resident said. “This is the second major accident here in a month. Something has to be done.”
Authorities are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident and release an official statement regarding the cause of the crash, the number of victims, and steps being taken to prevent future occurrences.
Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the Karu Bridge and Kugbo Hill area, especially during peak traffic hours.
More updates will follow as the situation unfolds.
