The Federal Fire Service has handed over the driver of a rescue truck involved in a fatal accident on Friday night in Wuse 2, Abuja, to the police and has suspended the officials on duty pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The tragic accident, which occurred around 11:00 PM on Friday in the Wuse area of the FCT, resulted in the deaths of three teenagers and left one person critically injured.
The crash took place while the fire truck was returning to refill its water tank after responding to a fire at Avenue Plaza, Banex.
In a statement on Sunday, Momodu Ganiyu, the FCT Controller of the Federal Fire Service, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, acknowledging the immense grief and irreparable loss suffered by the families of the victims.
“As a service, we deeply regret the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of three teenagers. We understand how difficult it must be for their families, especially given the young ages of those involved,” Ganiyu said. “Losing a child is a painful experience that causes lasting emotional scars, and we empathize with the families during this heartbreaking time.”
The Federal Fire Service clarified that the accident occurred while their personnel were responding to a fire at Avenue Plaza, Banex. One of the service trucks, which was returning to refill its water supply, collided with a Toyota Camry in the Wuse area. The vehicle was reportedly emerging from a connecting street when the crash occurred.
Ganiyu explained, “The accident took place during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, when one of the fire trucks, after exhausting its water supply, was on its way to refill. The truck, operating at high speed with its siren on, collided with the Toyota Camry, which was coming from a connecting street at the junction.”
The Controller-General has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. Ganiyu added that the fire truck driver is currently in police custody, and the staff involved in the operation at the FCT rescue center have been suspended while the investigation is ongoing.
“We remain committed to protecting lives and property and will ensure the families of the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time,” Ganiyu concluded.
