The National Blood Service Agency (NBSA) has called on Nigerians, especially residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to donate blood to support victims of the tanker explosion that occurred on the Aya-Karu Expressway in Abuja.
In a statement on Thursday, NBSA Director General Prof. Saleh Yuguda emphasized that many victims suffered severe injuries and require urgent blood transfusions.
“Hospitals and emergency response teams are working tirelessly to save lives, but an adequate blood supply is crucial,” Yuguda stated.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that the incident, which took place around 7 PM on Wednesday, involved a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) truck that lost control and collided with another vehicle. The explosion resulted in six fatalities and left 18 vehicles completely burnt, while the number of injured victims is still being determined.
Victims have been taken to the National Hospital, State House Clinic, Karu General Hospital, and Customs Clinic, Karu for treatment.
The NBSA urged eligible donors to visit designated blood donation centers across the FCT, stating:
“Your generosity can make the difference between life and death for those in critical condition.”
For further inquiries, the agency directed the public to its office at 39 Abidjan Street, Zone Wuse, or to call 07088370905.
Brake Failure Caused Abuja Explosion – Fire Service
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Fire Service (FCT FFS) has confirmed that the explosion was triggered by a brake failure in a truck carrying Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) canisters.
In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), FCT FFS Public Relations Officer Ibrahim Mohammad explained that the truck, which was headed towards Nyanya from AYA, lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles.
“As a result of the impact, the CNG-loaded containers began flying out of the truck. Wherever they landed—some as far as 900 meters away—explosions occurred, leading to fires and casualties,” Mohammad stated.
Rescue operations are ongoing to determine if any victims were trapped inside the burnt vehicles.
“Search efforts, including the use of searchlights, are still in progress. Once completed, we will disclose the final casualty figures,” he added.
He assured that emergency responders, including federal and FCT fire services, along with other agencies, remain at the scene to manage the situation.