Twenty-three passengers have been confirmed dead in a fatal motor accident involving a trailer (DAF model) on the Kano-Maiduguri road, under the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover in Kano.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, Umar Matazu, who confirmed the incident, said the accident involved 71 passengers, out of whom 23 died while 48 others sustained injuries.
Matazu, in a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, said the accident occurred on Thursday night when the trailer (DAF model) carrying goods and passengers was involved in peeding, resulting in loss of control.
“Upon receiving the distress call, the FRSC Kano rescue team, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, promptly responded to the scene to carry out a rescue operation and restore normal traffic.
“The crash involved a trailer (DAF Model) carrying goods and passengers. The cause of the road traffic crash is dangerous driving due to speeding, which resulted in loss of control under the bridge.
“A total of 71 people were involved in the crash. A total of 23 fatalities and 48 injured victims.
“The injured victims were immediately evacuated to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, Kano, for urgent medical attention.
“In response to the tragic incident, the Sector Commander, FRSC Kano Sector Command, CC UM Matazu, has dispatched an investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the crash.
“He also extends his deep condolences to the families of the deceased and prays for the quick recovery of the injured victims.
“Furthermore, the sector commander strongly warns drivers and the general public against the overloading of trailers with goods, animals, and passengers, emphasising that such dangerous practices significantly increase the risk of fatal crashes.
“The obstruction caused by the accident has been cleared, and the free flow of traffic has been restored.
“The FRSC remains committed to ensuring safety on our roads and urges all motorists to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives,” the statement read.
