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UPDATED: Eid-El-Maulud: Death Toll Rises To 25 In Kaduna Auto Crash

The death toll from the auto crash that occurred along Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday has risen to 25.

Corps Commander Kabiru Nadabo, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kaduna State, confirmed the increase in fatalities.

“Ten more victims died due to injuries sustained in the crash, bringing the total number of deceased to 25 out of the 63 people involved,” Nadabo said.

THE WHISTLER reports that the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying 63 children, mostly youngsters travelling to celebrate Eld El Maulud, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.

Corps Commander Kabiru Nadabo, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kaduna State, confirmed the incident.

“The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over speeding, resulting in the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” had said.

However, Nadabo added that due to the nature of injuries sustained during the crash, ten more victims died bringing the toll number of fatalities to 25.

“Sadly, at about 18:45 hrs today (16/9/2024), the command received an update that ten(10) more victims had died due to injuries sustained. This is truly sad and tragic. The total number of the deceased has risen to twenty-five(25) people out of the 63 people involved.

“I want to express the Corps profound condolences to the families of all those who have lost their dear ones in this fatal accident. I also want to reiterate FRSC stance and position on Overloading of humans or goods and excess speeding. In this case both have contributed to the fatal calamity witnessed.

“These are avoidable, hence our resolve to continuously engage motorists on safety ethics and general Road behaviour. FRSC Kaduna is poised to ensure the overall safety of motorists in Kaduna and beyond,” the Sector Commander added.

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

“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.”

Eyewitness described the scene as chaotic. “I saw the bus swerve out of control and collide with the articulated vehicle,” said one witness.

“It was a horrific sight, and my heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he added.

Nadabo said due to the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained, some of the victims were moved to ABU Teaching Hospital at Shika, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital respectively for proper and comprehensive medical attention.

The FRSC has launched an investigation into the incident.

“This accident is a wake-up call for all drivers to prioritise road safety,” Nadabo said. “We will continue to educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.”

As the families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the nation is reminded of the need for vigilance on the roads.

“We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such incidents in the future,” Nadabo emphasised.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Nadabo said.

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