A fatal collision between a Toyota Hummer Bus and a DAF trailer claimed the lives of 21 passengers on Sunday morning along the Kano–Zaria highway.
The tragic accident, which occurred around 8:23 a.m. at Kasuwar Dogo in the Dakatsalle area, also left three others injured, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Kano Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mohammed Bature, described the incident as one of the most harrowing crashes the state has witnessed in recent years.
He revealed that the accident involved 24 people, with 21 losing their lives on the spot and three others sustaining injuries.
A statement released by FRSC spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran indicated that preliminary investigations pointed to a traffic violation by the Hummer Bus driver.
The bus, bearing registration number KMC 171 YM, was reported to have veered off its lane and collided head-on with an oncoming DAF trailer (registration number GWL 422 ZE). The impact triggered a fire that consumed both vehicles and many of their occupants.
“The crash was caused by a route violation, which resulted in a head-on collision and a fire outbreak,” the statement read.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the Nassarawa Hospital Mortuary in Kano, while the injured victims are receiving treatment at the Garun Malam General Hospital.
Emergency response teams from the FRSC, Federal and State Fire Services, and the Nigeria Police Force arrived at the scene promptly to extinguish the fire and clear the wreckage, allowing for the restoration of normal traffic flow on the busy highway.
Sector Commander Bature extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and urged motorists to obey traffic rules, especially avoiding dangerous overtaking, night travels, and driving against traffic.
“We cannot afford to continue losing lives in preventable crashes,” he said.
He emphasized the FRSC’s ongoing commitment to road safety and called on all road users to be more cautious and law-abiding to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
