More persons die in Kaduna auto crash, death toll now 40

The death toll from the Kaduna Eid-El-Maulud auto crash has risen to 40, with most victims being children.

The incident occurred on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying children to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud lost control due to speeding and overloading, colliding with an articulated vehicle along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area.

Initially, the Federal Road Safety Corps reported 25 fatalities, with 48 others injured. However, more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital, bringing the total death toll to 40.

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, expressed shock and deep sorrow, offering condolences to the victims’ families.

“This is a tragic loss of young lives, and we will do everything possible to support the affected families,” he said.

He directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that the surviving children receive urgent and comprehensive medical care.

The accident occurred around 1pm on Sunday when the J5 bus, carrying 63 children, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.

The Kaduna Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Kabiru Nadabo, had confirmed the incident.

He said, “The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over-speeding, leading to the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injury.”

Nadabo further explained that 10 more victims later died due to the severity of their injuries, and subsequently, more victims passed away in hospital, bringing the death toll to 40.

Nadabo stressed the importance of road safety, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.

He said, “This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to be cautious and follow speed limits to avoid similar incidents.”

Due to the severity of the injuries, some victims were transferred to ABU Teaching Hospital in Shika, the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for proper medical attention.

The FRSC has launched an investigation into the crash.