No fewer than 21 passengers were confirmed dead following a fatal accident involving a Toyota Hummer bus and a DAF trailer along the Kano–Zaria highway on Sunday morning.
Mohammed Bature, the Federal Road Safety Corps’ (FRSC) Kano Sector Commander, verified the tragedy, calling it one of the most horrific accident in recent memory.
The accident occurred about 8:23 a.m. near Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsalle, and affected 24 passengers.
According to FRSC spokesperson Abdullahi Labaran, preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Hummer Bus, with registration number KMC 171 YM, violated traffic rules and collided head-on with the DAF trailer (registration number GWL 422 ZE), triggering a fire that engulfed both vehicles.
“The crash was caused by route violation by the driver of the Toyota Hummer Bus, which led to a head-on collision with the trailer. The impact resulted in a fire outbreak,” the statement noted.
The fire killed 21 passengers and injured 3 others. The burnt remains were deposited at Nassarawa Hospital Mortuary in Kano, while the injured were taken to Garun Malam General Hospital for treatment.
FRSC officials, in collaboration with the Federal and State Fire Services and the Nigeria Police Force, quickly responded to the scene.
The wreckage has since been cleared, and normal traffic flow has been restored.
Sector Commander MB Bature expressed deep grief for the loss of life, sending condolences to the deceased families and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
He also issued a severe warning to drivers about route infractions, unsafe overtaking, and nighttime travel, stating that such acts frequently result in fatalities.
“The Corps remains committed to ensuring the safety of all road users and urges the public to remain vigilant and law-abiding on the highways,” the FRSC concluded.
