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SORROW TEARS AND BLOOD IN ABUJA TANKER EXPLOSION

Many feared dead and multiple vehicles have been torched in an inferno that occurred following the explosion of a tanker carrying Compressed Natural Gas alleged to belong to Dangote group. The tragic incident that happened on the Kugbo-Karu bridge axis off of Abuja-Nassarawa express way, has left the area in a massive gridlock as vehicular movement have been largely affected. According to updates as the incident unfolds, as at the time of publishing this, for over 2 hours, there is yet to be any official first responder, law enforcement, emergency services etc. Videos show casualties including vehicles and wounded humans. See video below. This story is developing and CTN is following it up. Updates as event unfolds.

GAS TANKER EXPLOSION UNDER OTEDOLA BRIDGE CLAIMS MULTIPLE LIVES, DESTROYS PROPERTIES

A devastating gas tanker explosion occurred under the Otedola bridge on Monday night, leaving a trail of destruction and loss of life in its wake. According to eyewitnesses, the gas tanker, which was traveling from CMD to link the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, lost its brake and fell under the bridge before bursting into flames. The explosion had a ripple effect, with nearby buildings and vehicles catching fire. A nearby mechanic village was completely destroyed, with all cars and a repair centre for Marwa vehicles going up in flames. Tragically, a mechanic who was waiting to deliver a car to its owner was burnt to death. The police have confirmed that four houses, 15 vehicles, and an unspecified number of people lost their lives in the disaster. The condition of patients in a nearby hospital, located inside a nearby estate, could not be ascertained as they were shouting for help. The explosion and subsequent fire have left the community in shock, with many residents counting their losses. The authorities have begun an investigation into the cause of the accident, but for now, the focus is on providing support to those affected by the tragedy.

MASSIVE FIREBALL SEEN AS CARGO VESSEL COLLIDES WITH OIL TANKER OFF ENGLAND COAST

A massive fireball was seen after a cargo vessel collided with an oil tanker off the east coast of England, leaving one person hospitalized and 36 others safe and accounted for. The incident occurred when the Portuguese-flagged container ship Solong collided with the US-flagged oil tanker Stena Immaculate, which was carrying jet fuel for the US government. According to the UK Coastguard, the incident happened at around 09:48 GMT, and a rescue operation was launched immediately. “The incident remains ongoing, and an assessment of the likely counter-pollution response required is being enacted,” a UK Coastguard spokesperson said. The Stena Immaculate’s owner, Crowley, confirmed that the vessel was carrying jet fuel when it was hit by the Solong, resulting in a fire and fuel spill. “A fire occurred as a result of the allision, and fuel was reported released. The Stena Immaculate crew abandoned the vessel following multiple explosions onboard. All Crowley mariners are safe and fully accounted for,” the company said in a statement. Local MP Graham Stuart expressed concern about the potential ecological impact of the incident. “I’m calling for a unified command structure, to bring together government, police, Coast Guard, the Environment Agency, local authorities, and MPs,” he said. The Marine Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Grimsby to gather evidence and determine the next steps. “Our team of inspectors and support staff are gathering evidence and undertaking a preliminary assessment of the accident to determine our next steps,” a spokesperson said. The incident has raised concerns about the potential environmental impact, with the RSPB expressing concern about the potential damage to habitats and wildlife. “Naturally, we are extremely concerned about the potential for a leak from the tanker as oil pollution can seriously damage habitats and be lethal to seabirds,” said Dave O’Hara, senior site manager at the RSPB Bempton Cliffs.

RIVERS STATE GAS EXPLOSION: 18 INJURED, POLICE INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY

A devastating gas explosion occurred on Sunday evening at a gas refilling shop in the Oroazi community of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, leaving 18 people severely injured. According to SP Grace Iringe-Koko, spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, the explosion was caused by a welder repairing a refrigerator while simultaneously refilling gas into it. “The technician was using a gas cylinder to weld while trying to refill gas into the refrigerator, which led to the explosion,” Iringe-Koko explained. “No fewer than 18 persons, including the technician, sustained injuries, but fortunately, no lives were lost.” Eyewitness Tamuno described the explosion as devastating, noting that the victims included a pregnant woman, four children, and a couple. “The explosion triggered a chain reaction, causing other gas cylinders in the shop to explode,” he said. “Most of the victims were residents and passers-by who, unfortunately, happened to be near the shop at the time.” The injured victims suffered varying degrees of burns and were promptly taken to the hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The Rivers State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the incident and will share their findings with the public. This latest explosion is part of a worrying trend of gas and Improvised Explosive Device incidents recorded in Rivers State since 2024. Experts recommend several safety measures to reduce the risk of gas explosions, including regular inspection of gas cylinders and equipment, proper training for gas handlers, strict enforcement of safety regulations, and public awareness campaigns.

EXPLOSION ROCKS ISLAMIYYAH SCHOOL IN ABUJA, KILLS ONE STUDENT, INJURES FOUR OTHERS

A suspected bomb explosion has occurred at an Islamiyyah school in the Kuchibiyu Community of Bwari Area Council, Abuja, killing one student and injuring four others. The incident occurred around noon on Monday, January 6, 2025, sending shockwaves through the quiet community located approximately 42 kilometers from Abuja’s city center. According to reports, the deceased student was reportedly carrying a substance suspected to be an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) when it detonated. The explosion caused injuries to other students and widespread panic in and around the school premises. The Chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, confirmed the incident, stating that the explosion resulted in one fatality, with the victim dying at the scene. “One person died there immediately. That was confirmed. Four other persons, including a girl, that sustained injuries were rushed to the hospital,” Gabaya said. Gabaya added that the person responsible for bringing the IED to the school has been apprehended by the police for interrogation. He also stated that the injured victims, including a girl who was selling soybean cake near the scene of the explosion, were rushed to the hospital for treatment. “The girl was selling awara (Soyabean cake) when the bomb exploded. Since she was closer to the scene of the explosion, she was also wounded. So, they took the four of them to the hospital,” Gabaya said. The FCT Police Command is yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts to reach the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, were unsuccessful.