The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued a formal apology to the families of three young victims who died in a fatal collision involving one of its rescue trucks in Abuja on Friday night.
In a statement on Sunday, Controller of the FFS, FCT Command, Momodu Ganiyu, expressed deep regret over the tragic incident, which occurred around 11:00 pm at the ECWA Church Junction, near Nitel Junction in Wuse 2. The collision between an FFS rescue truck and a Toyota Camry claimed three lives and left one person critically injured.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and express profound sorrow for this devastating loss,” the statement read. “We recognise the unimaginable pain of losing loved ones, especially young lives with bright futures.”
The Service also conveyed its prayers for the swift recovery of the sole survivor, who remains hospitalised.
According to the statement, the accident occurred during an emergency firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex. The fire truck, which had depleted its water supply, was rushing to refill — travelling at high speed with its siren on — when it collided with the Toyota Camry emerging from a side street.
The Service disclosed that its Controller-General, who was out of town at the time, returned immediately upon receiving the news and has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident. He is expected to personally lead a delegation to visit and condole with the affected families.
Meanwhile, the driver of the rescue truck has been detained by police, and personnel at the FCT rescue centre involved in the operation have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
“The Federal Fire Service remains committed to protecting lives and property and deeply regrets this heartbreaking event,” the statement concluded.
