The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kaduna Sector Command, said six people died and 11 sustained injuries in a road crash on the Kaduna-Zaria expressway.
According to Mr. Kabir Nadabo, the Sector Commander, the road traffic crash took place at Aliko filling station on the Kaduna-Zaria expressway around 06:25 hrs on Tuesday.
Nadabo attributed the multiple accidents to speeding and dangerous driving, leading to a temporary halt in motorists’ movement.
He reassured that the road is now open for movement, highlighting the prompt response and rescue efforts by the Zebra 35 Rigachikun team.
“The initial investigation of the crash revealed that 23 people were involved in the crash; 11 were injured, and sadly, six lost their lives,” Nadabo said.
He said that the investigation revealed that the Toyota bus was coming from Ilesha and heading to Batsari, in Katsina State, adding, “The driver was at high speed, lost control, and rammed into a moving vehicle, thus causing the crash.”
Nadabo noted that the majority of road traffic crashes on the highway involved motorists not originating from Kaduna State, primarily from other states, and were often attributed to driver fatigue.
As the primary agency responsible for transport management and road safety, the FRSC expressed regret over this unfortunate yet preventable incident.
“The Corps in Kaduna State will continue to perform its statutory duty of saving lives and properties and, most fundamentally, creating awareness on the dangers of road safety vices and unethical road culture.
“Kaduna State is a critical corridor; therefore, the state command has established instruments of safety that will guide transporters on the importance of safe travel in this Yuletide season and beyond.
“Remember, the more we educate motorists on the significance of cultivating safety behaviour on the roads, the fewer road traffic crashes will be experienced,” he said.
He urged stakeholders, especially transport unions, to collaborate with the FRSC in promoting safety messages for their drivers.
Nadabo mentioned that the corps is working closely with media organizations to enhance public awareness regarding the risks associated with dangerous driving, overloading, driving with worn-out tires, and fatigue resulting from extended journeys.
The sector commander appealed to all road users to adhere to safe driving practices consistently.