The Federal Fire Service management has issued an apology after one of its rescue trucks collided with a private vehicle, killing three persons and injuring one.
In a statement on Sunday, Momodu Ganiyu, federal capital territory controller, said the service was experiencing profound regret over the tragic incident.
The incident happened late Friday evening at the ECOWAS junction in Wuse 2, Abuja during a firefighting operation at Avenue Plaza, Banex.
Ganiyu explained that one of the fire trucks had exhausted its water supply and was en route to refill.
He said the truck was operating at a high speed with its siren blaring before it collided with the affected Toyota Camry, which was emerging from a connecting street at the junction.
“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 FCT controller said.
“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.”
Ganiyu said Jaji Abdulganiyu, FFS controller-general, was immediately notified of the incident.
He added that Abdulganiyu has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident and will personally lead a delegation to convey condolences to the bereaved families.
The FCT controller also said the driver involved has since been detained by the police, while those at the FCT rescue centre have also been suspended until the investigation is concluded.