Tragedy Averted as Vehicle Transporting Tunisian Delegation to African Athletics Championship was Involved in Accident
A potential tragedy was narrowly averted on Saturday, July 19, when a vehicle transporting members of the Tunisian delegation to the ongoing CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship in Abeokuta was involved in a road accident.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed in a statement that the incident occurred while the athletes were en route from the competition venue to the Games Village. The vehicle, which was not part of the organized convoy secured with safety protocols and personnel, suffered the mishap under circumstances still being investigated.
In an unexpected twist of providence, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, who was traveling on the same route at the time, arrived at the scene almost immediately after the accident. Without hesitation, the governor intervened to provide urgent first-response assistance.
Thanks to the governor’s quick response, the injured athletes were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, where they received initial medical care before being transferred to another facility for more comprehensive treatment.
Shortly after the incident, both Governor Abiodun and the Director General of the National Sports Commission visited the hospital to personally oversee the care and treatment of the injured athletes.
The DG has also maintained direct communication with the leadership of the Tunisian team, reassuring them of Nigeria’s commitment to the safety and well-being of all participants.
In its statement, the NSC expressed deep sympathy to the affected athletes, their families, and the entire Tunisian delegation, wishing the injured a swift and full recovery. It emphasized that the safety of all athletes remains a paramount concern and pledged to reinforce existing safety protocols.
The Commission also commended the swift and coordinated efforts of the Ogun State Government, medical personnel, and security agencies who responded promptly to the emergency.
The CAA U18/U20 African Athletics Championship continues in Abeokuta with heightened attention to transportation and safety logistics following the incident.
