By Mario Deepromoter

The death toll from the auto crash that occurred along Saminaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday has risen to 25.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Kaduna State, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed the increase in fatalities to PUNCH Metro on Monday.

“Ten more victims died due to injuries sustained in the crash, bringing the total number of deceased to 25 out of the 63 people involved,” Nadabo said.

PUNCH Metro reports that the tragic incident occurred around 1:00 pm on Sunday when a J5 bus carrying 63 children, mostly youngsters traveling to celebrate Eld El Maulud, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle.

The Sector Commander, FRSC, in Kaduna State, Nadabo, had said, “The driver of the J5 bus lost control due to over speeding, resulting in the fatal crash. Fifteen children died instantly, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.”

However, Nadabo added that due to the nature of the injuries sustained during the crash, 10 more victims died bringing the toll number of fatalities to 25.

“Sadly, at about 18:45 hrs today(16/9/2024), the command received an update that 10 more victims had died due to injuries sustained. This is truly sad and tragic. The total amount of the deceased has risen to 25 people out of the 63 people involved.

“I want to express the Corps’ profound condolences to the families of all those who have lost their dear ones in this fatal accident. I also want to reiterate the FRSC stance and position on overloading of humans or goods and excess speeding. In this case, both contributed to the fatal calamities witnessed.

“These are avoidable, hence our resolve to continuously engage motorists on safety ethics and general Road behaviour. The FRSC Kaduna is poised to ensure the overall safety of motorists in Kaduna and beyond,” the Sector Commander added.

Nadabo emphasised the importance of road safety measures, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.

“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving. We urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies.”

An eyewitness described the scene as chaotic, saying, “I saw the bus swerve out of control and collide with the articulated vehicle.”

“It was a horrific sight, and my heart goes out to the families of the victims,” he added.

Nadabo said due to the nature of the accident and the injuries sustained, some of the victims were moved to the ABU Teaching Hospital at Shika, University of Jos Teaching Hospital and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital respectively for proper and comprehensive medical attention.

He also said the FRSC had launched an investigation into the incident.

“This accident is a wake-up call for all drivers to prioritise road safety,” Nadabo said.

“We will continue to educate drivers on the importance of safe driving practices.”

As the families of the victims mourn their loved ones, the nation is reminded of the need for vigilance on the roads.

“We must learn from this tragedy and work towards preventing such incidents in the future,” Nadabo emphasised.

“Our thoughts are with the families of the victims during this difficult time,” Nadabo said.

No fewer than eight persons have been injured and one was reported dead in a head-on collision between two buses on the Third Mainland Bridge, near the Ilaje area of Lagos State on Monday.

The crash occurred as the two Mazda commercial buses, with number plates — LND 624 YE and EKY 804 YH, “recklessly engaged in a high-speed chase from Adeniji Adele,” according to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department, Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Adebayo Taofiq.

The statement noted that the intervention of the LASTMA officials “facilitated the rapid rescue of eight passengers, all of whom suffered severe fractures,” adding that this serves as a reminder of the “catastrophic consequences of irresponsible driving practices.”

“The injured were immediately transported to Gbagada General Hospital for urgent medical care, courtesy of the Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).

“Police units from Bariga and Alonge Police Stations were instrumental in providing critical security support during the rescue operation, ensuring order and expediting the efforts to restore normalcy.

“The Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) reiterates its unwavering commitment to ensuring road safety and implores all motorists to strictly observe speed regulations and exercise caution while driving,” the statement read.

The agency also sympathised with the family of the bereaved and “wishes the injured a swift and full recovery.”

In another related development, an accident was recorded on Monday, involving a Honda CRV (AKD 743 HV), which overturned on the bridge near the University of Lagos’ waterfront, also inbound Iyana-Oworonsoki.

“The crash, attributed to excessive speeding, resulted in no casualties. LASTMA personnel acted swiftly to clear the wreckage, preventing any further obstruction to the free flow of traffic on the bridge,” it added.

PUNCH

Chairman of Ogbete Main Market Traders Association (OMMATA) Enugu, Stephen Aniagu, was on Saturday night, murdered by suspected assassins.

Aniagu was reportedly shot dead around 7pm at Moses Ogbodo Junction near Topland Market in the Amaechi area of Enugu South Local Government.

Sources said Aniagu was likely to be on his way home after the close of the day’s market.

“We heard gunshots and ran for safety. When we emerged from hiding a few minutes later, we found his lifeless body on the ground, and his car was missing.

“His body was riddled with bullets. He was shot multiple times by his attackers,” the source, who wished to remain anonymous, said.

At the time of sending this report, the Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, could not be reached for confirmation.