A devastating road accident at the Muhammadu Buhari Interchange Flyover in Hotoro, Kano, has left 16 people dead and 52 others severely injured. The crash, which occurred around 9:50 p.m. on Tuesday along the Kano-Maiduguri Road, involved a DAF trailer transporting goods and passengers.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, the accident was caused by overspeeding and reckless driving, leading to a loss of control under the bridge. Witnesses at the scene described a horrifying sight as the trailer, reportedly overloaded with passengers, veered off course before crashing.
Confirming the incident, FRSC Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Labaran revealed that 71 people were involved in the crash. Emergency responders, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, swiftly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations and clear the wreckage. The injured victims were immediately rushed to Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Sector Commander CC UM Matazu expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He condemned the dangerous practice of overloading trailers with both passengers and goods, emphasizing that such actions drastically increase the likelihood of fatal accidents.
“We strongly warn against the unsafe habit of carrying passengers alongside heavy goods and animals in trailers. It is a high-risk behavior that endangers lives,” Matazu stated.
Following the incident, an FRSC investigation team has been dispatched to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash. Authorities have also worked to remove the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow in the area.
The FRSC has once again urged motorists to adhere to road safety regulations to prevent further tragedies. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing stricter measures to curb reckless driving and protect lives on Nigerian roads.