Bus fire claims four lives, injures 10 in Jigawa

By Isa Isawade

A Hummer bus which was on Saturday gutted by fire in Jigawa burnt four persons beyond recognition with ten others left with injuries.

The incident occurred around 4:00 pm near Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Gwaram, Jigawa State.

The spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawan Adam, in a statement on Sunday, said the bus was travelling from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Rabadi village in Gwaram Local Government Area when the fire broke out.

“The vehicle was carrying 44 passengers, including 25 adults and 19 children,” Adam said.

He said the fire started when the vehicle’s exhaust came into contact with a mattress tied to the back of the bus, igniting flames that quickly spread.

The victims were identified as Zuwairah Hassan, 40; Fatima Hassan, 5; Iyatale Hassan, 3; and Halima Muhammad, 10 — all from Saldiga village in Zaki LGA, Bauchi State,” the statement further read.

According to him, the ten injured passengers were taken to Gwaram Cottage Hospital while the remaining passengers were safely evacuated.

The remains of the deceased were handed over to their families after medical examination.

“We urge all drivers to be mindful of the safety of their passengers and other road users.

“Overloading and reckless driving can have devastating consequences, as we have seen in this tragic incident,” Adam cautioned.