21 persons died in Zaria-Kano Expressway crash — FRSC

No fewer than 21 people have been confirmed dead following a fatal head-on collision involving a heavy-duty truck and a commercial passenger bus along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.

The Federal Road Safety Corps in a Sunday statement signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, explained that the accident occurred around 8.20am at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsale, and blamed the crash on a “route violation” by the bus driver.

The FRSC said, “The tragic incident involved a heavy-duty DAF truck and a commercial Toyota Hiace passenger bus.

“Preliminary investigations by FRSC rescue and crash investigation team revealed that the crash was caused by route violation on the part of the commercial Toyota Hiace Bus driver, who contravened established traffic regulations and drove against traffic flow, resulting in a fatal head-on collision with the oncoming truck.”

The Corps added that 24 people were involved in the crash, with three surviving with injuries.

“Regrettably, out of the 24 people involved in the crash, a total of 21 persons, comprising 19 male adults and two female adults, were killed in the crash, while the remaining three  were rescued with injuries,” the statement added.

The bodies of the deceased were said to have been taken to the Nasarawa Hospital in Kano.

“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that full investigations are ongoing into the full cause of the crash.

“The FRSC once again warns all motorists, especially truck and commercial drivers, to desist from dangerous practices such as route violations, driving against traffic, speeding, and reckless overtaking, which continue to claim innocent lives on Nigerian roads.

“Drivers are reminded that road traffic regulations are in place to protect lives and properties, and strict adherence remains the only guarantee for safety,” the statement added.