A female Point of Sale (POS) operator was tragically killed on Monday morning after being struck by a commercial bus near the Total filling station in Berger, Abuja.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, a coaster, was allegedly being chased by officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) at high speed when the incident occurred.
A commuter, Johnson, who witnessed the collision, said the victim had arrived early for work and was crossing the road after buying food when the bus struck her.
“The coaster bus hit the woman and threw her to the other side of the road. Neither the bus driver nor the FRSC officials stopped. She remained on the road until police officers from Utako Division arrived, by which time she had died,” Johnson recounted.
Other witnesses, including a newspaper vendor and local mechanics, confirmed that the coaster bus was being pursued by FRSC officials and that neither vehicle stopped after the collision. Another POS operator in the area said such high-speed chases by FRSC officials were common, and a similar chase on Saturday had narrowly avoided casualties.
Reacting to the incident, FRSC FCT Sector Commander Felix Theman said an investigation is underway to determine whether any FRSC patrol vehicle was involved.
“I have recalled all patrol teams, particularly within the central area, Zone 7, and surrounding locations, to verify whether any of our units were involved. Once our investigation establishes the facts, we will issue a press statement,” Theman said.
He added that confusion sometimes arises as many vehicles, including private pickups, are mistaken for patrol units, and authorities will confirm the facts before drawing conclusions.
This incident has raised concerns about pedestrian safety and the risks posed by high-speed pursuits in busy urban areas.
