Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Department (FEMD) staff rescued two occupants of an on-fire Peugeot J5 bus who were left stranded following a late-night accident along the Kubwa/Suleja road, across Niger Barracks in Abuja.
The tragic accident was reported on Wednesday at approximately 9:21 p.m., which resulted in the death of the driver due to resulting burns. The driver sustained severe injuries and could not be rescued, according to Head of Operations, Search and Rescue, FEMD, Mr. Monday Adie.
“The body of the victim, which was burnt beyond recognition, has been handed over to his family for burial,” confirmed Adie.
A eyewitness who chose not to be named stated that the Peugeot J5, which had bags of groundnuts in it, collided with a heavy-duty vehicle and burst into flames immediately. A survivor of the bus was rushed to Asokoro General Hospital for treatment but was later discharged at the behest of his family.
The rescue operation, which lasted until 1:30 a.m. Thursday, was a joint operation by FEMD, the FCT Fire Service, the Nigerian Army, and the FCT Police Command.
Following the accident, the acting Director General of FEMD, Engr Abdulrahman Mohammed, appealed to motorists to drive cautiously and keep their vehicles in good condition to prevent such tragedies.
“We urge all drivers to drive carefully and ensure that their cars are in top condition,” he said.
He also urged people to call the 112 emergency toll-free number during distress. “Timely reporting saves lives, and we urge all people to use this critical service,” he said.
