The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State has confirmed that nine people lost their lives while 17 others were injured in a deadly road crash involving a commercial bus and a trailer on the Kankia-Katsina Road.
In a statement released in Katsina, the sector public education officer, Shamsudeen Babajo, said the accident happened at Kwanar Gidan Mutum Daya around 8:03 p.m. on Saturday.
He explained that the collision involved a Toyota Hummer commercial bus and a trailer, affecting a total of 26 people.
Babajo noted that officers from the Kankia Unit Command acted promptly after receiving a distress call, reaching the scene within 23 minutes and beginning rescue efforts alongside other emergency responders.
He stated that 17 victims suffered different injuries, including fractures, broken limbs and deep cuts, while nine people died from the force of the crash.
The spokesman also revealed that four of the deceased were burnt beyond recognition after the commercial bus reportedly caught fire shortly after the accident.
According to him, all injured persons were taken to General Hospital Kankia for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in the hospital mortuary.
“The rescue team worked tirelessly to evacuate victims and clear the obstruction to restore free flow of traffic along the route,” he stated.
Babajo added that the sector commander expressed condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
He further said preliminary investigations into the incident had begun, adding that the outcome would assist authorities in preventing similar accidents in the future.
The command advised motorists to avoid speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly during the heavy travel period leading up to Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The FRSC also urged drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on long trips, while encouraging passengers to speak up against unsafe driving behaviour.
The corps reaffirmed its dedication to safer roads through continuous patrols, public awareness campaigns and strict enforcement of traffic laws across Katsina State.
