By Francesca Hangeior
The presidential compressed natural gas initiative (PCNGi) says a “thorough investigation” will determine the cause of a tanker explosion on the Abuja-Keffi expressway.
The tanker exploded on Wednesday evening near the Karu bridge in the federal capital territory (FCT).
While several cars have been reportedly burnt in the explosion, it was unclear if there were casualties.
PCNGi in a statement expressed grief over the “tragic accident”, saying it may have been caused by possible brake failure.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and all those affected by this devastating incident,” the statement reads.
“While initial reports suggest the involvement of a Bi-Fueled Petrol Tanker, we urge the public to await the outcome of a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the accident.
“Preliminary accounts indicate a possible brake system failure leading to the explosion of the petrol storage tank, but it is crucial to avoid speculation until all facts are established.
“The PCNG Initiative remains committed to promoting the safe and sustainable use of CNG as a cleaner energy alternative.
“We will continue to work closely with relevant authorities, including the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Fire Service, and other stakeholders, to ensure that safety standards are upheld and incidents like this are prevented in the future.
“We commend the swift response of the emergency responders, including FEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), who are on the ground working tirelessly to rescue victims and manage the situation.”