No fewer than 12 people lost their lives on Sunday following a fatal multiple-vehicle accident along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
The incident was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, through its Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Nnaji, quoting the Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman.
According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received two minutes later. A patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash: two Volkswagen Golf cars (registration numbers GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW), a Ford Sharon bus (AFN 325 YL), and a Volvo Randon trailer (ANC 665 XA).
Preliminary investigations indicated that speed limit violation and loss of control caused a chain collision.
Eyewitnesses reported that the trailer, owned by African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd and conveying coal from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, lost control and rammed into an illegal roadside motor park.
A total of 18 people were involved in the crash, including eight adult males, four adult females, two male children and four female children.
Twelve persons, comprising four adult males, two adult females, two male children and four female children lost their lives. Three others sustained injuries, while three escaped unhurt.
FRSC personnel administered first aid at the scene and evacuated the injured victims to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment.
The deceased were released to their families for burial in accordance with religious and cultural practices. Recovered items were secured by the FRSC.
The Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over the investigation to determine additional factors responsible for the crash.
The FRSC commander expressed condolences to the families of the victims and warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against the use of illegal roadside loading and off-loading points.
He urged road users to avoid speeding, reckless driving and dangerous overtaking, particularly in populated areas, and called for strict compliance with traffic safety regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
