The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 10 persons in a fatal road crash that occurred on Monday, March 23, along the Tafa axis of Niger State.
Naija News reports that the incident, which also left 20 people injured, happened in the early hours of the day, throwing the community into mourning.
The FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja by the Acting Corps Public Education Officer, Mrs Felicia Kalu.
According to Mohammed, the crash occurred at about 8:20 a.m. along the Tafa-Gujeni route at Malam Tanko.
He explained that the accident fell within the operational jurisdiction of RS7.26A Tafa Outpost and involved a DAF tanker with registration number FKY136XD.
Providing details of the incident, the corps marshal revealed that the tanker was conveying a total of 33 male occupants at the time of the crash.
“The vehicle was conveying 33 male occupants at the time of the incident,” he said.
He added that preliminary findings showed a high casualty figure.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that 10 persons died, 20 sustained injuries, while three were rescued unhurt,” Mohammed stated.
The FRSC boss attributed the cause of the crash to reckless driving and violation of safety regulations.
“Available evidence indicates the crash was caused by excessive speed, leading to loss of control,” he said.
He further decried the practice of conveying passengers in vehicles not designed for human transport.
“More disturbing is that the vehicle engaged in illegal mixed loading, carrying goods and passengers together,” he added.
Mohammed noted that FRSC operatives responded swiftly to the scene, rescuing victims and restoring normalcy to traffic.
He said, “FRSC operatives responded promptly, rescued 23 victims alive and cleared the obstruction to restore traffic flow.”
The injured victims were taken to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for medical attention, while the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.
Describing the crash as avoidable, the corps marshal expressed concern over persistent traffic violations by motorists.
He called the incident “a painful reminder of the consequences of traffic violations.”
Mohammed urged drivers to adhere strictly to road safety rules, maintain speed limits, and desist from using unsuitable vehicles to convey passengers.
He stressed that compliance with safety regulations remained crucial in reducing road crashes and saving lives across the country.
NaijaNews/ Samuel Olokoba
