Karu Bridge, Abuja-Keffi Expressway Accidents Record Atleast 10 Deaths

Another accident occurred around 5:30pm on Monday near Karu bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway, marking the third incident in just two months on this hazardous stretch of road.

The crash involved a Dangote trailer and a J5 sachet water truck, and while no deaths were recorded, one person sustained injuries.

According to Nkechi Isa, spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD), “A road accident involving a J5 sachet water truck and a Dangote trailer occurred today at the Karu bridge in the FCT. No life was lost in the incident.”

Isa further explained the sequence of the incident: “The J5 driver, however, sustained some injuries and was taken to the hospital. The accident occurred when the sachet water truck hit its brakes on sighting personnel of the road maintenance agency carrying out repair works on the road by the Karu bridge.”

Describing how the crash happened, she added: “The Dangote trailer coming from behind is reported to have rammed the sachet water truck. The personnel of the FCT Emergency Management Department and the Federal Road Safety Corps attended to the incident.”

How the accidents happened on the same spots

The Monday crash adds to a growing list of accidents that have plagued the Karu bridge area of the Abuja-Keffi expressway. In the last two months alone, three major accidents have occurred along this route — two of which happened in March 2025.

On March 19th, a cement-laden CNG truck lost control and exploded, crashing into multiple vehicles and killing 10 people.

The very next day, another fertilizer truck crashed near the same area after a collision with a Hijet and a dump truck.

While there were no fatalities in that incident, it reinforced concerns about how dangerous this route has become.

Why the Accident May Be Happening

The frequent accidents on this section of the expressway can be traced to a combination of factors: poor road maintenance, heavy truck traffic, brake failures, and the absence of proper enforcement of safety regulations.

The presence of road construction or maintenance works without adequate warning signs often leads to abrupt braking, which can trigger rear-end collision, especially from overloaded or poorly maintained trailers.

Drivers’ recklessness and the high volume of articulated vehicles, especially during rush hours, further compound the risk of crashes.

How Important These Roads Are to the People Living in Abuja

The Abuja-Keffi expressway is a lifeline for thousands of commuters who live in satellite towns like Nyanya, Karu, Mararaba, and Keffi but work or do business in the heart of Abuja.

It also serves as a crucial link to other parts of the country, especially the North Central states like Nasarawa, Benue, and Plateau.

For many residents, it is not just a road but the only viable daily route to access healthcare, education, work, and commerce in the Federal Capital.

Any disruption on this route often leads to long traffic delays, economic losses, and increased vulnerability for road users.