Abuja truck accident: Wike pays medical bills of victims

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has pledged to cover the medical expenses of victims involved in the fatal truck accident that occurred in Karu, Abuja on Wednesday evening.

This was contained in a statement issued by Lere Olayinka, the minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the minister, while expressing condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, described the accident as avoidable and directed that those injured continue to receive medical care.

Wike revealed that he immediately instructed the Mandate Secretary on Health and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, to ensure that the victims received proper medical attention.

“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 stated.

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.”

The minister also urged road users, especially heavy-duty vehicle drivers, to be more cautious and strictly adhere to speed limits to prevent 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.