At least six people were killed and several vehicles destroyed in a tragic accident near Abuja, Nigeria, on Wednesday March 19 evening. According to Police reports released on Thursday March 20, a heavy-duty trailer, carrying cement and owned by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote’s company, lost control and collided with a line of stationary vehicles on a heavily congested highway near the Nyanya Bridge, approximately 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the city centre.
The impact of the crash triggered a massive fire, engulfing 14 vehicles in flames. “A distress call was received by Karu Division reporting a horrifying scene after a Dangote trailer, heavily loaded with cement and approaching Nyanya Bridge from AYA, had lost control and crashed into stationary vehicles trapped in traffic,” said a police spokesperson. Emergency responders worked in difficult conditions, battling thick smoke and extreme heat to rescue those trapped in the wreckage.
Six victims were pulled from the ruins and rushed to the hospital, but tragically, they were confirmed dead. Their remains have been taken to Karu General Hospital Morgue. The Nyanya Bridge, a key route connecting Abuja to its eastern suburbs, is notorious for traffic congestion, especially during rush hours. Police are currently conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the disaster and prevent future incidents. Fatal truck accidents are unfortunately frequent on major roads across Nigeria.