The death toll from the tragic auto crash in Kaduna during the Eid-el-Maulud celebrations has risen to 40, with the majority of victims being children.
The accident occurred on Sunday when a J5 bus, overloaded with children heading to the Eid celebration, lost control and collided with an articulated vehicle along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area. Initially, 25 fatalities were reported, with 48 others injured, but more victims have since died in the hospital, increasing the death toll to 40.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims. He pledged full support for the affected families and directed the state’s Commissioner for Health to ensure that the surviving victims receive urgent and comprehensive medical care.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kaduna Sector Commander, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed that the driver lost control due to overspeeding, causing the bus to collide with the oncoming vehicle. The accident, which took place around 1:00 p.m., claimed the lives of 15 children instantly, with more succumbing to their injuries later.
The FRSC has launched an investigation into the crash and emphasized the need for stricter adherence to road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies. Some victims were transferred to various hospitals for further medical attention due to the severity of their injuries.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of reckless driving, and authorities are urging drivers to observe speed limits and prioritize road safety to avoid future tragedies.
