A fatal head-on collision between a commercial bus and a heavy-duty truck has claimed the lives of 21 people along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.
The crash occurred at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsale, involving a Toyota Hiace commercial bus and a DAF trailer.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), preliminary investigations revealed that the bus driver had violated traffic regulations by driving against the flow of traffic, leading to a head-on crash with the oncoming truck.
The collision resulted in the immediate death of 21 passengers, comprising 19 male adults and 2 female adults, while three others sustained injuries and were taken for emergency treatment.
FRSC officials, alongside other emergency response teams, quickly arrived at the scene to carry out rescue operations and clear the wreckage, allowing traffic flow to resume.
The FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed said that a full investigation is underway to determine the complete circumstances surrounding the crash.
“This unfortunate tragedy is yet another painful reminder of the deadly consequences of disobeying traffic rules,” he said.
“Driving against traffic, speeding, and reckless overtaking are major contributors to such avoidable disasters on our roads.”
The Corps Marshal urged all drivers especially commercial and articulated vehicle operators to adhere strictly to road traffic regulations.
He emphasized that enforcement efforts and public awareness campaigns will be intensified to prevent further loss of lives.
The FRSC called on road users to report dangerous driving behaviour via the FRSC Mobile App, by calling the toll-free number 122, or contacting any FRSC patrol team.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at Nasarawa Hospital, Kano, pending identification and release to their families.
Writing by Khadijah Aliyu