Nine killed, 17 injured in deadly Katsina auto crash

By Abbas Bamalli

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Katsina State has confirmed the death of nine persons and injuries to 17 others following a tragic road accident involving a commercial bus and a trailer along the Kankia-Katsina highway.

The fatal crash occurred around 8:03 p.m. on Saturday at Kwanar Gidan Mutum Daya, according to a statement issued by the FRSC Sector Public Education Officer, Shamsudeen Babajo.

Babajo disclosed that the accident involved a Toyota Hummer commercial bus and a trailer, with a total of 26 persons affected in the collision.

He said personnel from the Kankia Unit Command responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and arrived at the scene within 23 minutes to commence rescue operations alongside other emergency responders.

According to him, 17 victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures, broken limbs and deep cuts, while nine persons lost their lives due to the severity of the impact.

The FRSC spokesman further revealed that four of the deceased victims were burnt beyond recognition after the commercial bus reportedly burst into flames moments after the collision.

“All injured victims were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital, Kankia, for medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary,” he stated.

Babajo added that rescue officials worked tirelessly to evacuate victims and clear the obstruction caused by the accident to restore the free flow of traffic on the busy highway.

Reacting to the incident, the Sector Commander sympathised with the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

He also disclosed that preliminary investigations had commenced to determine the cause of the crash and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The FRSC urged motorists to avoid speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly as traffic volume is expected to increase ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Drivers were further advised to ensure that their vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on long-distance journeys, while passengers were encouraged to speak out against unsafe driving practices.

The corps reaffirmed its commitment to safer roads through sustained patrols, public enlightenment campaigns and strict enforcement of traffic regulations across Katsina State.