BEVERLY HILLS, March 22, (THEWILL) – A road crash at Kateri, along the Kaduna-Abuja Highway, has claimed the lives of 19 passengers.
Kateri is in the Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement on Monday by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said, the accident, which happened late Sunday evening, involved a commercial DAF trailer and was “caused by a combination of speeding, and an exploding tyre, leading to a loss of control, which caused the vehicle to veer into the bush.”
The DAF trailer was said to be heading for Kano from Lagos when the incident happened.
Aruwan explained that most of the passengers on board the ill-fated trailer were “picked at Kara, by a filling station in Lagos, with some to be dropped off at Zaria, while Kano was meant to be the final destination.”
He said 53 people were involved in the crash; 16 of them died on the spot, with three others confirmed dead later.
The Commissioner said 34 sustained injuries, which ranged from bruises and cuts to dislocations and head injuries, adding that they were evacuated from the scene by personnel of the state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
He said the survivors were receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
Aruwan said, “Security agencies have reported that 19 people died in the ghastly road crash.
“Officials of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, visited the site of the crash to ascertain the report of events and avoid misrepresentations of the incident.
“Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed shock and sadness at the report, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who perished in the crash, while sending condolences to their families. He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.”
Aruwan further said, the Governor commended the personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps for their swift response and prompt evacuation of the casualties from the scene.
“The Governor enjoined drivers on the route to exercise caution at all times and avoid potentially dangerous driving practices like speeding.”
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