10 die in Karu truck explosion, as Wike pays medical bills of survivors
By Ukpono UkpongÂ
At least 10 people lost their lives, and over 30 others suffered severe burns in a tragic truck explosion that occurred at Karu Bridge along the Abuja-Keffi Expressway.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed the fatalities, emphasizing the devastating impact of the accident.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, the Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike, has expressed deep sympathy for the victims and their families.
He pledged to cover the medical expenses of the survivors and directed immediate medical attention for those injured.
Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the accident as avoidable and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.
He also directed that all injured victims should receive continuous treatment at designated hospitals.
“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 stabilization, seven of the 17 casualties 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,” he said.
Calling for stricter traffic law enforcement, Wike urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other road safety agencies to intensify efforts in ensuring compliance with road safety regulations.
“It is painful that precious lives were lost and vehicles were destroyed in an accident that could have been avoided,” Wike lamented.
In the latest development, the FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) confirmed that the bodies of eight victims were deposited at the Karu Hospital Morgue, while one body each was taken to the Asokoro District Hospital Morgue and National Hospital.
According to Mark Nyam, the Head of Forecasting, Response, and Mitigation at FEMD, more than 10 vehicles were burnt in the explosion.
He said that some of the injured victims have been referred to Gwagwalada Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Keffi, and Cedarcrest Hospital Abuja for specialized care.
In a statement following a visit to the accident scene, the Acting Director-General of FEMD, Engr. Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged motorists to adhere to traffic regulations to prevent further tragedies.
He strongly warned against reckless driving, dangerous overtaking, and poor vehicle maintenance, which he noted were major contributors to road accidents.
Meanwhile, FEMD has advised FCT residents to utilize the 112 emergency toll-free number to report any emergencies for a faster response.
