At least four soldiers have been confirmed dead, and several others injured after a suspected drunk driver rammed into them while they were on a routine jog in Lagos State, Nigeria, on Friday morning.
The soldiers, who are attached to Myoung Barracks in the Morocco area of Shomolu, were reportedly participating in their monthly road jog when the tragic incident occurred.
The group, which was on an early morning training session, was struck by a vehicle that veered off course and slammed into the soldiers.
Eyewitnesses reported that the driver of the vehicle appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, showing signs of erratic driving before the collision.
Local authorities have yet to officially confirm the driver’s condition or provide further details about their identity. However, initial reports suggest that the driver was apprehended at the scene and taken into custody for questioning.
The collision took place on a busy road in the Shomolu area, where the joggers were on a section of the street typically used by both military personnel and civilians.
The sudden and tragic impact of the vehicle sent several soldiers flying, with some suffering critical injuries. Emergency response teams arrived swiftly at the scene, transporting the injured soldiers to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The authorities have yet to release the names of the deceased, but it has been confirmed that the soldiers were all male and aged between 25 and 30.
While four soldiers tragically lost their lives, others sustained varying degrees of injuries, with some believed to be in critical condition. The military has expressed grief over the incident and vowed to provide support to the families of the victims.
In response to the accident, military officials and local government authorities have called for a thorough investigation into the incident, with particular focus on the cause of the driver’s behavior and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
There have also been renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety laws to prevent similar accidents, particularly involving intoxicated drivers.
As of now, the Myoung Barracks has issued a statement mourning the loss of their comrades and confirming that they are offering full support to the victims’ families. The barracks has also urged the public to respect the privacy of the grieving families during this difficult time.
The Nigerian military and law enforcement agencies are working closely to ensure justice for the fallen soldiers and accountability for the individual responsible for the crash.
Meanwhile, the local community remains in shock, with many residents expressing their condolences for the families of the victims and their hopes for a swift recovery for the injured soldiers.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members