NO fewer than nine people have lost their lives, while 17 others sustained injuries following a tragic road accident along the Kankia–Katsina Road in Katsina State.
The fatal collision, which involved a commercial Toyota Hummer bus and a trailer, occurred at Kwanar Gidan Mutum Daya around 8:03 p.m. on Saturday, leaving residents and commuters in shock as emergency responders worked to rescue trapped victims.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Katsina Sector Command, confirmed that a total of 26 persons were involved in the crash.
In a statement issued by the Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC RS1.3 Katsina Sector Command, Deputy Route Commander Shamsudeen Babajo, the agency disclosed that rescue officials from the RS1.35 Kankia Unit Command swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving a distress call.
According to the statement, emergency responders arrived within 23 minutes and immediately began rescue operations in collaboration with other agencies.
The FRSC revealed that 17 victims suffered varying injuries, including fractures, broken limbs, and severe cuts, while nine others died in the accident.
The situation reportedly became more devastating after the commercial bus caught fire moments after the impact, with four victims said to have been burnt beyond recognition.
All injured passengers were rushed to General Hospital Kankia for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue.
Reacting to the incident, the FRSC extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished those receiving treatment a speedy recovery.
The agency also disclosed that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact cause of the crash.
It further urged motorists to obey traffic rules, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, especially during the busy Eid-el-Kabir travel season.
