Abuja: Tragedy struck on Sunday along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as no fewer than 12 people lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle accident.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Education Officer, Mrs. Helen Nnaji, on behalf of Sector Commander Mr. Felix Theman.
According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu. A distress call was received two minutes later, and a patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.
Preliminary reports revealed that four vehicles were caught in the collision: two Volkswagen Golf cars, a Ford Sharon bus, and a Volvo Randon trailer. Investigations indicated that speed limit violations and loss of control triggered the chain collision.
Eyewitnesses said the trailer, belonging to African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd and loaded with coal from Kagarko, Kaduna State, lost control and rammed into an illegal roadside motor park, sparking the deadly crash.
A total of 18 persons were involved. Twelve people died, including four adult males, two adult females, two male children, and four female children. Three others sustained injuries, while three escaped unhurt.
PHOTO CREDIT: FRSC
FRSC personnel administered first aid, recovered items from the vehicles, and evacuated the injured to Abaji General Hospital. The deceased were released to their families for burial in line with cultural and religious practices.
The Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over investigations to determine additional factors behind the crash.
Sector Commander Theman expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He warned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against creating illegal roadside loading points, describing them as major risks that expose passengers, hawkers, and pedestrians to avoidable danger.
He further urged road users to desist from speeding, reckless overtaking, and dangerous driving, stressing strict compliance with traffic safety regulations to prevent future tragedies.
