The crash occurred on Tuesday and involved three vehicles after a Volkswagen bus conveying passengers reportedly suffered a tyre burst while in motion.
No fewer than 18 people, including children, have been confirmed dead in a fatal road traffic accident along the Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu highway in Jigawa State.
The crash occurred on Tuesday and involved three vehicles after a Volkswagen bus conveying passengers reportedly suffered a tyre burst while in motion.
According to reports, the tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a collision with another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Moments later, a truck ran into the two vehicles, crushing them on impact.
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Jigawa State, Umar Matazu, said the accident happened suddenly, leaving little chance for victims to escape.
“A fatal accident occurred from Dutse to Kwanar Babaldu where three vehicles were involved,” Matazu stated.
“A Volkswagen carrying passengers had its tyre burst and lost control, colliding with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction. Unfortunately, a truck ran into the two vehicles and crushed them.”
He said preliminary reports showed that the crash resulted in heavy casualties, including children.
“So far, 18 people are confirmed dead. The victims include male and female adults as well as children,” he said.
Emergency responders and security personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to rescue survivors and clear the road for traffic. The injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated.
The FRSC Sector Commander urged motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys and to adhere strictly to speed limits in order to prevent avoidable tragedies.