The death toll from Sunday’s road accident along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has risen to 25.
In a statement, Kaduna State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Corps Commander Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed that 10 more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment in the hospital.
Initially, the FRSC had reported the death of 15 children in the crash, which occurred as the victims were traveling to celebrate Eid El Maulud. The accident involved a J5 bus carrying 63 passengers, mostly children, that collided with a DAF trailer due to speeding and overloading.
“Fifteen people died on the spot, while 48 others sustained various injuries and were rushed to Comprehensive Hospital Saminaka, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, and Jos Teaching Hospital for urgent care,” Nadabo said.
However, by Monday evening, 10 more victims had passed away due to complications from their injuries, raising the death toll to 25.
The tragic accident occurred when the overloaded J5 bus, traveling at high speed, lost control and crashed into the trailer near LEA Primary School in Lere.
FRSC’s statement highlighted the dangers of overloading and speeding, noting that both factors contributed to the fatal incident. The Corps expressed condolences to the victims’ families and reiterated its commitment to road safety awareness.
“This is truly a sad and tragic event. We extend our profound condolences to the families of those who lost their lives,” Nadabo stated. He emphasized the importance of road safety measures to prevent such tragedies.
