Gusau, Zamfara State (Nigeria): The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 17 passengers, mostly women, after a commercial bus crashed into a collapsed bridge in Gwalli, Zamfara State
This is contained in a statement by the Public Education Officer of the command, Isah Aliyu, in Gusau on Monday.
According to him, the 17 people, mostly women, died when the 18-seater bus hit the collapsed bridge at high speed.
Aliyu stated that the bridge collapsed within the week. Residents had been using sandbags to allow motorists to cross the bridge until a bus driver unknowingly drove into the remains, resulting in casualties.
He quoted the Sector Commander, Aliyu Ma’aji, as expressing deep sorrow and sadness due to the loss of lives.
Ma’aji condoled with the family, the government and the people of Zamfara over the incident.
He advised the motoring public against late travelling and overloading, adding that motorists should seek information on roadworthiness before embarking on long journeys.
The sector commander thanked stakeholders who rallied round to rescue some of the survivors.