By Correspondent in Abuja.
Arising from the report of the ill-fated fatal crash that occured along the Maiduguri-Damaturu route, the Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu has decried the incessant violation of legal speed limit as such, directed Commanding Officers to step up nationwide special operations to apprehend violators and impound their vehicles.
This is contained in a statement signed by Bisi Kazeem,Assistant Corps Marshal
Corps Public Education Officer
Federal Road Safety Corps
Headquarters, Abuja and a copy is made available to The Reporters on Wednesday
Kazeem qouted his principal as stating this, following the wanton violation of established traffic rules by motorists which led to the avoidable crash that occured on 22 November, 2022 at 0940HRS, along Maiduguri-Damaturu route by Jakana 45 Benesheik-Maiduguri, Borno State.
According him, preliminary investigation conducted into the fatal crash, the avoidable menace involved 2 Toyota Busses and a Volkswagen Golf 3, leading to a fire outbreak that burnt most of the victims to death.
Kazeem said:”In all, there where 45 people (26 Male Adults, 13 Female adults, 3 Male children, 3 Female children) involved in the crash, out of which 37 victims; comprising of 20 Male adults, 11 Female adults, 3 Male children and 3 Female children were killed.
“In addition, the remaining 8 victims who were rescued alive, having sustained various degrees of injuries, were given adequate first aid by the Corps’ medical rescue team before moving them to the hospital.
“The main cause of the crash according to the report are, excessive speed (Speed Limit Violation) and Tyre Burst.
“The emergency rescue team of the Corps has concluded the rescue of the injured victims to Maiduguri General Hospital, Borno State for immediate medical attention, while the Sector Commander in conjunction with the Commissioner of Police are working out modalities for mass burial of those burnt beyond recognition.
“The Acting Corps Marshal who frowned at the incident assured the motoring public particularly law abiding ones tht the Corps will definitely intensify special patrol operations that will engender sanity on the highways.
“He added that Commanding Officers have been tasked to intensify sensitisation and advocacy campaigns while conducting effective patrol operations on all routes.
“The Ag. Corps Marshal also warned those who take advantage of the newly constructed as well as rehabilitated roads of the present administration to endanger other road users lives, by indulging in excessive speed to desist or face the wrath of the law.
“He admonished the public to always patronize the FRSC toll free line 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM which are always available for all road users to report emergencies at any given time.”
Edited by Dada Ahmed.