Reports have emerged on how over 35 Muslim Eid-el-Maulud celebrants lost their lives in a devastating road accident along the Kaduna-Saminaka Road in Lere LGA of Kaduna State.
According to source, the accident occurred when an overloaded bus, carrying about 70 passengers, collided with a trailer.
According to Malam Abdullahi, one of the organizers of the Maulud celebration, the accident disrupted their plans.
In an interview on Monday, Abdullahi revealed that: “We had around 70 people. Including women and children, in our entourage. I personally counted the victims. It was a heartbreaking scene.”
Abdullahi stated that the injured, numbering over 35, have been transported to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in nearby Plateau State, for medical treatment.
Narrating the incident, Abdullahi said, “Another vehicle in their convoy was involved in a separate accident with a motorcycle. The accident resulted in fatalities and various injuries.
Though there are conflicting reports regarding the number of casualties, the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, confirmed 25 deaths. But another of the event organizers, Ahmad Dayyabu, told the BBC that at least 40 people died in the mishap.
However, in a statement yesterday, the FRSC said the accident occurred around 1p.m on Sunday. It happened when a J5 commercial bus with registration number NSL 08 AA collided with another vehicle, a DAF trailer with registration number DKA 454 XY, near LEA Primary School in Lere.
According to the FRSC Kaduna Sector Commander, Kabir Nadabo, 63 people were involved in the crash.
He, however, noted that 15 victims, including the bus driver, Mukailu Musa, died on the spot. While 10 others passed away at the hospital.
Nadabo added that 38 others were injured and are receiving treatment at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH), Zaria. While others were taken to the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
“When the rescue team arrived, we confirmed that 15 persons from the bus, including the driver, were dead, while 48 others who sustained injuries were taken to the hospital for treatment.
“Sadly, at about 18:45 hours today (Monday), the command received an update that 10 more victims had died due to injuries sustained.
“This is truly sad and tragic. The total amount of the deceased has risen to 25 people out of the 63 people involved,” he said.
Nadabo said both overloading and excessive speeding contributed to the accident and urged motorists to adhere to safety guidelines to prevent such tragedies.
He reiterated the need for constant engagement with drivers on road safety and responsible driving behaviour.
The organizers of the Mawlid celebration told the BBC that the remains of the deceased were buried on Monday according to Islamic rites in Saminaka.
An organizer revealed that 71 passengers were aboard the bus when it was run over by the trailer in Lere.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency reported the death toll at 36 on Monday morning, but Ahmad Dayyabu said at least 40 people had died.
Dayyabu added that of the 40 victims, 19 were women, 10 were children, and 11 were elderly.
He added that 31 others are currently receiving treatment in various hospitals.
source: Daily Trust
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U