Another traffic accident occurred on Monday morning near the Karu Bridge along the increasingly hazardous Abuja-Keffi Expressway, marking the third such incident in less than two months on the same stretch of road. According to initial reports, the latest crash involved a Dangote trailer and a J5 truck transporting sachet water.

While the full details of casualties remain uncertain, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. The driver of the J5 sachet water truck, however, sustained injuries and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

How the Accident Happened

In a statement released Monday by FEMD spokesperson Nkechi Isa, officials explained that the collision occurred when the J5 driver applied his brakes upon seeing road maintenance personnel working on a section of the expressway near Karu Bridge. The abrupt halt apparently caused the Dangote trailer, which was following behind, to ram into the sachet water truck.

“A road accident involving a J5 sachet water truck and a Dangote trailer occurred today at the Karu Bridge in the FCT,” Isa said. “No life was lost in the incident. The J5 driver, however, sustained some injuries and has been taken to the hospital.”

Isa added that emergency responders from both the FEMD and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) were on-site shortly after the crash, offering immediate medical aid and managing the resulting traffic congestion.

Repeated Incidents Raise Safety Concerns

This latest mishap has added to growing concerns about the safety of motorists along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, particularly around the Karu Bridge axis. Monday’s collision is the third major incident recorded on this specific route within just two months, drawing attention to potentially life-threatening patterns that demand urgent intervention.

On March 19, 2025, a more catastrophic accident occurred in the same area when a compressed natural gas (CNG) truck laden with cement lost control and exploded upon crashing into several vehicles. The explosion tragically claimed the lives of at least ten people and left numerous others injured.

Shockingly, within 24 hours of that fatal incident, another crash took place not far from the same location. A fertiliser truck, after colliding with a Hijet mini truck and a dump truck, collapsed. Although no deaths were reported in that case, the recurrence of such serious accidents has underscored the urgency of addressing systemic hazards on the expressway.

Contributing Factors: Poor Road Conditions and Traffic Management

Many commuters and safety experts have raised alarm over the persistent dangers along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, which serves as a critical route connecting the Federal Capital Territory with Nasarawa State and other surrounding areas. Regular users of the road have cited a range of problems including:

• Ongoing and poorly coordinated road maintenance projects

• Inadequate signage warning drivers of repairs ahead

• Reckless driving by heavy-duty trucks

• Lack of dedicated lanes for different vehicle types

• Absence of speed control mechanisms in high-risk zones

The Monday incident, for example, appears to have been partly triggered by abrupt braking in response to unexpected maintenance activity — a scenario that raises questions about how effectively drivers are warned of such works ahead of time.

Public Reactions and Calls for Action

Social media platforms have lit up in the aftermath of the Karu Bridge crash, with many users urging the Federal Ministry of Works and the FRSC to step up their enforcement of traffic regulations and improve safety infrastructure. Advocacy groups have also demanded a comprehensive audit of high-risk corridors along the Abuja-Keffi route, to identify recurring issues and prevent further loss of lives.

Commuters have called for:

• Installation of speed bumps or rumble strips near roadwork zones

• Deployment of advance warning signs and electronic message boards

• Increased FRSC patrol presence, especially during high traffic hours

• Designation of dedicated lanes for heavy-duty trucks

• Routine safety inspections on commercial vehicles

Government and Emergency Officials’ Next Steps

While FEMD has not announced any new policy measures in response to Monday’s crash, officials confirmed that an internal review of emergency response protocols is underway. Meanwhile, the FRSC is expected to release a more detailed investigation report in the coming days, which may shed further light on contributing factors and accountability.

As the July rainy season approaches — a period historically marked by increased road accidents — experts warn that without immediate preventive action, the frequency and severity of incidents along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway may escalate.

Final Thoughts

Monday’s collision at Karu Bridge serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for improved road safety measures along Nigeria’s major highways. With three accidents in just two months — one of them fatal — the pattern around Karu has evolved from isolated incidents into a pressing public safety issue.

Until concrete steps are taken to overhaul traffic management systems, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and enhance driver awareness, the risk of further tragedies along this busy corridor will continue to loom large.