The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has committed to covering the medical expenses of victims involved in the fatal truck accident that occurred in Karu, Abuja, on Wednesday evening.
Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Expressing his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, Wike described the accident as avoidable and directed that all injured victims continue to receive medical care.
He stated that he had immediately instructed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, to oversee the treatment of the victims.
“On my directive, the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, was in Asokoro District Hospital till this morning and was among the medical personnel who attended to the 17 casualties brought to the hospital,” Wike said.
Providing an update on the victims, he added: “After initial stabilization, seven of the 17 casualties received were referred to the 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.”
Wike also called on road users, particularly heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to exercise greater caution and strictly adhere to speed limits to prevent future accidents.
“It is painful that precious lives were lost and properties destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided. I urge the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to intensify efforts to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations,” he said.
