The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNG Initiative) has released a statement addressing a fuel tanker explosion which occurred in Abuja on Tuesday, and extended condolences to those affected.
The explosion, which took place on the Karu Bridge, located between Kugbo and Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), left several people dead and many others injured.
While acknowledging reports that a bi-fuel petrol tanker was involved, the PCNG Initiative urged the public to refrain from speculation until a full investigation determines the exact cause.
“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 statement read.
Authorities, including the FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Fire Service, have launched an inquiry. Teams from FEMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) were on the scene all night, working to control the blaze and manage the fallout.
Again, the PCNG Initiative has reaffirmed its focus on promoting compressed natural gas (CNG) as a cleaner and safer energy alternative. It stressed the need for strict safety regulations and pledged to work with stakeholders to prevent similar disasters.
While the exact number of casualties is not known, eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with thick black smoke filling the sky and panicked commuters fleeing for safety. Further updates are expected as investigations progress.
