The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Jaji O. Abduganiyu Thursday , prevented what would have been a double tragedy on the popular Karu bridge.
Our reporter gathered that the incident would have been worst than that of Wednesday if not for the professionalism of the CG and his team.
The CG who was at the scene of Wednesday’s explosion at Karu bridge said another trailer, carrying fertilizer, had lost its brakes and overturned, blocking the already congested highway.
He confirmed that two people lost their lives in the fresh truck accident at the same spot of Wednesday’s explosion.
“While responding to the latest incident, the my team and I noticed a severe risk lurking nearby. A fuel tanker, caught in the chaos of the previous accidents, had begun spilling its dangerous contents onto the hot asphalt under the scorching sun.
“The potential for an explosion was high, especially with the other vehicles in the vicinity, which could ignite the volatile fuel.
“Recognising the danger, I immediately alerted the nearest fire station for backup and directed my team to act quickly. They swiftly deployed foam compound over the fuel spill, effectively containing the threat and preventing a catastrophic blaze.
“This quick and decisive action by my dogged firefighters undoubtedly saved lives and kept the situation from spiraling into an even greater disaster.
“We must remain vigilant and prepared to respond rapidly to prevent further loss of life,” he said, underscoring the importance of proactive safety measures in the wake of such tragedies.
“Thanks to the expertise and professionalism of the Federal Fire Service, a second disaster was averted, and safety was restored to the accident site, bringing some relief to the harrowing situation.
“The Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences.
“So far, we gathered that over 30 victims sustained varying degrees of burns, with some transferred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital, Abuja for intensive care.”
