5-yr-old girl killed in fire incident after Abuja estate management rejected fire alert system
By Omeiza Ajayi
ABUJA: The Federal Fire Service FFS has begun investigation of Friday’s fatal accident involving one of its firefighting trucks and a private vehicle in which three people died during a rescue operation in the Wuse 2 area of the nation’s capital, Abuja.
The Service which expressed profound regrets over the tragic incident which occurred around 11PM on Friday at the ECOWAS Junction in Wuse 2, Abuja, said there was a collision between one of its rescue trucks and a Toyota Camry that resulted in the loss of three young lives and left one survivor critically injured.
Vanguard gathered that the accident occurred during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex, when one of the fire trucks, having exhausted its water supply, was en route to refill.
Operating at high speed with its siren blaring, the truck collided with the Toyota Camry, which was emerging from a connecting street at the junction.
In a statement issued Sunday in Abuja and signed by the Controller of the Federal Capital Territory FCT Metropolitan Fire Command, Ganiyu Momodu, the Service conveyed its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed profound sorrow over the incident.
The Service acknowledged the immense pain and loss experienced by the families, emphasizing that the victims’ promising futures were tragically cut short. It also extended prayers for the swift recovery of the survivor, who is currently receiving medical treatment in an undisclosed hospital.
“As a service, we are sorry over the unfortunate incident that claimed the lives of three teenagers. We know that it is a difficult time for their family to cope, considering the age range of the children involved in this fatal accident.
“The Federal Fire Service is aware that losing one’s children is a deeply painful experience that marks the radical change of the family’s life and involves a wide range of sad emotions”, said Momodu.
He explained that at the time of the incident, the Controller General of Fire, Engr. Abdulganiyu O. Jaji was out of town and could not be immediately reached due to network issues.
“Upon being informed, the CG promptly returned to Abuja to meet with the affected families.
“He has since ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and will personally lead a delegation to convey condolences to the bereaved families.
“While a dedicated team has been set up to investigate the tragic incident, the driver has since been detained by the police, while those at the FCT rescue center have also been suspended until the investigation is concluded.
“The Federal Fire Service reiterates its unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property and expresses its deepest sympathy to all those affected by this heartbreaking event”, he added.
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