The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has sympathised with the victims of the truck explosion that occurred on Wednesday evening in Karu, Abuja.
Wike offered to cover the medical bills of the casualties.
The Minister, who described the accident as avoidable, expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and directed the continuation of treatment for those who sustained injuries.
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Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister said that upon hearing about the accident, he immediately directed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure prompt treatment of the injured, which she did.
“On my directive, the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, was at Asokoro District Hospital until this morning, and she was among the medical personnel who attended to the 17 casualties brought to the hospital.
“She briefed me that after initial stabilisation, seven of the 17 casualties received were referred to the National Hospital. Six with minor injuries were treated successfully, while three with severe burns, inhalation, and crush injuries are currently receiving treatment. However, one of the casualties with third-degree burns passed away while being resuscitated,” he said.
Calling on road users, especially heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to always be cautious and adhere strictly to speed limits while driving, Wike said it was painful that precious lives were lost and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided.
He urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies responsible for ensuring safe road usage to intensify efforts aimed at maintaining strict compliance with traffic rules.
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