A tragic scene unfolded on Friday at the Karu Bridge in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as a runaway truck ploughed into multiple vehicles, leaving scores feared dead and several others critically injured.
Eyewitnesses recounted how the cement-laden truck, while descending the notorious Kugbo Hill, suffered a brake failure and rammed into oncoming vehicles, crushing both metal and flesh in its deadly path. The horrifying collision sparked widespread panic as cries for help filled the air and bystanders rushed to rescue the trapped and injured.
In a desperate bid to flee the wrath of an enraged crowd, the truck driver reportedly abandoned the wreckage and attempted to escape. However, his getaway was short-lived as vigilant commercial motorcyclists near the Karu Roundabout pursued and apprehended him before he could vanish.
The tragic incident immediately triggered a chaotic traffic gridlock, with sympathisers, emergency responders, and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials flooding the scene to provide assistance and restore order.
This latest accident comes just weeks after a similar catastrophe at the same Karu Bridge, where a Dangote trailer powered by compressed natural gas (CNG) lost its brakes and crashed into several vehicles, leaving multiple fatalities in its wake.
As of the time of filing this report, SaharaReporters could not independently confirm the exact number of casualties. However, unconfirmed reports suggest that the death toll may be significant, given the scale of the devastation.
The recurrence of such accidents on this particular stretch of road has raised serious concerns about road safety, vehicle maintenance, and the regulation of heavy-duty trucks within the capital city.
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