National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Chibuzor Alli
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in a tragic accident involving a truck and multiple vehicles near Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Wednesday.
This announcement was made public by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, in a statement released on Thursday.
Reports from the FCT Emergency Management Department have confirmed that the accident claimed the lives of 10 individuals, while at least 30 others have sustained serious burns and are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
In his statement, Wike extended his sympathies to the victims and instructed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure that the injured receive prompt and adequate medical care.
Wike stated, “The Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sympathised with victims of the motor vehicle accident that occurred yesterday evening, in Karu, Abuja. He offered to foot the medical bills of the casualties.”
The minister described the accident as “avoidable” and expressed his condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones. He emphasized the importance of continued medical treatment for those injured in the incident.
Meanwhile, Wike highlighted that he was informed of the situation as it unfolded, leading him to direct Dr. Fasawe to ensure immediate care for the victims. “On my directive, the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe was in Asokoro District Hospital till today’s morning and she was among the medical personnel who attended to the 17 casualties brought to the hospital,” he said.
The minister further elaborated, “She briefed me that after initial stabilisation, seven of the 17 casualties received were referred to National Hospital, six with minor injuries were treated successfully, and three with severe burns and inhalation and crush injuries are currently receiving treatment. However, one of the casualties with third-degree burns passed away while being resuscitated,” as part of the statement.
In light of the accident, Wike called on road users, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to strictly adhere to speed limits and road safety regulations.
He expressed his sorrow over the lives lost and the destruction of property, reiterating that these incidents can be avoided. The minister also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps and relevant agencies to reinforce compliance with traffic laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
