The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has promised to settle the medical bills of victims of an accident involving a truck and multiple vehicles near Karu Bridge, along the Abuja-Keffi expressway, Abuja, on Wednesday.
This was disclosed by the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, Lere Olayinka.
Chronicle NG earlier reported that the FCT Emergency Management Department confirmed that 10 persons died, while 30 others suffered major burns and are currently hospitalised.
According to the statement, the Wike also sympathised with the victims and directed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure prompt treatment of the injured, which she did.
Wike stated that seven of the 17 casualties were referred to the National Hospital; six of them were treated successfully for minor injuries, and three others are now being treated for severe burns, inhalation, and crush injuries.
“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, who described the accident as avoidable, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and directed the continuation of treatments for those who sustained injuries.
“Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the FCT Minister said when he heard 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 in Asokoro District Hospital till 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 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,” the statement partly read.
The minister also urged motorists, particularly heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to obey speed restrictions while expressing grief that the lives lost and cars destroyed in the disaster could have been avoided.
Wike also urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other organisations to step up their efforts to ensure traffic regulation compliance.
