By Chinenye Jane Anaeme
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 21 people in a devastating road traffic crash that occurred on Sunday morning along the Zaria-Kano Expressway at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsale.
The assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide,spokesperson of the Federal Road Safety Corps(FRSC), said the fatal accident took place around 8:20 a.m., involving a heavy-duty DAF truck and a commercial Toyota Hiace bus.
According to preliminary findings by the FRSC’s crash investigation team, the tragedy was caused by a route violation on the part of the commercial bus driver, who was driving against the flow of traffic. This dangerous action led to a head-on collision with the oncoming truck, resulting in catastrophic loss of life.
Out of the 24 persons involved, 21 people comprising 19 male adults and 2 female adults were confirmed dead at the scene. Three others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly rescued.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, while emergency responders, in collaboration with FRSC personnel, worked tirelessly to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic along the expressway.
The Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, assuring the public that thorough investigations are underway to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the crash.
In a public statement, the FRSC reiterated its warning to motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations. The Corps highlighted dangerous behaviours such as driving against traffic, speeding, reckless overtaking, and route violations as major contributors to road fatalities in Nigeria.
“The rules of the road exist to protect lives and property. Compliance with these regulations is not optional ,it is essential for the safety of all road users,” the statement emphasized.
The FRSC pledged to intensify its nationwide enforcement operations and public safety campaigns, urging commuters to report reckless driving through the FRSC Mobile App, the Corps’ toll-free line 122, or any nearby FRSC patrol team.
