Four people have lost their lives while 59 others sustained injury in a lone accident along the Kaduna – Abuja Expressway on Tuesday.
The accident involved a trailer (Iveco) with registration number MKA 99YS.
The Kaduna Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission revealed that the accident occurred at Sabon Sara village along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway around 3.30 am.
The Sector Commander, Kabir Nadabo, who confirmed the incident, said, “Combined rescue teams from RS1.113 Zhipe and RS1.17 Birnin Yero conducted the rescue operation.”
Nadabo explained that initial investigations attributed the crash to the overloading of goods and passengers, possibly compounded by driver fatigue.
“Further investigation revealed that 73 people were involved in the crash, with 59 sustaining injuries and, sadly, 4 losing their lives,” Nadabo stated.
He said the injured were taken to St. Gerard in the metropolis and AP Smart Hospitals in Kaduna for medical attention.
He expressed concern about the recurring accidents during the festive season while noting the efforts of the FRSC to curb road traffic crashes and save lives.
He said the FRSC has set up some initiatives to reduce the high incidence of auto accidents during festive periods, adding that they included the Establishment of roadside camps at Kakau and Rigachikun for prompt response to crashes; Provision of standby ambulances at key locations along the expressway with trained personnel to provide first aid; increased awareness and sensitisation campaigns for road users on general safety practices; strict enforcement of traffic regulations, including prosecution of drivers caught overloading their vehicles with goods or passengers.
Nadabo commended the state government and the media for the support received in creating awareness in the promotion of road safety.
He reiterated the collective responsibility to prioritise safety and collaborate with the FRSC to save lives and property on the roads.