Fire service hands over driver to police over Abuja fire truck accident

The Federal Fire Service has handed over the driver of a rescue truck involved in Friday night’s fatal accident in Wuse 2, Abuja, to the police, and also suspended officials on duty pending the outcome of a full investigation.

The tragic crash, which occurred around 11:00 PM on Friday at the Wuse area of FCT, claimed the lives of three teenagers and left one person critically injured.

The accident happened 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, the FCT Controller, Federal Fire Service, Momodu Ganiyu, described the incident as heartbreaking, acknowledging the immense pain and irreparable loss suffered by the bereaved families.

As a service, we are sorry for 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, ” he said.

The FFS explained that the accident took place while its personnel were responding to a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex.

He said one of the service trucks, 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.

He said, “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.”

Ganiyu further disclosed that the Controller-General ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

He added that the driver of the fire truck is currently in police custody, while staff at the FCT rescue center involved in the operation have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

“We remain committed to safeguarding lives and property and will ensure that the families of the victims receive the support they need during this difficult time,” Ganiyu added.