The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has pledged to pay the medical expenses of those injured in a truck accident that involved multiple vehicles near Karu Bridge on the Abuja-Keffi Expressway on Wednesday.
Lere Olayinka, the Senior Special Assistant to the Minister on Public Communication and Social Media, made this known in a statement released on Thursday.
Earlier reports from PUNCH Online revealed that the FCT Emergency Management Department confirmed the deaths of 10 individuals, while 30 others suffered severe burns and are currently receiving treatment in hospitals.
The statement also noted that Minister Wike expressed deep sympathy for the victims and immediately instructed Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, to ensure that the injured received immediate medical attention, which was promptly carried out.
The statement further mentioned that of the 17 casualties taken in, seven were referred to the National Hospital, six with minor injuries were treated and discharged, while three others with severe burns, inhalation injuries, and crush injuries are still being treated. Unfortunately, one casualty with third-degree burns passed away during resuscitation efforts.
Minister Wike also emphasized the avoidable nature of the accident and extended his condolences to the families of the deceased.
He called for better adherence to speed limits by road users, especially heavy-duty vehicle drivers, and urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other agencies to step up efforts to enforce traffic regulations.
