No fewer than 12 persons have been confirmed dead following a fatal multiple-vehicle road traffic crash at Gada Biyu, along the Yangoji–Abuja (YGJ–ABJ) corridor, on Sunday.
SaharaReporters gathered that the incident occurred at about 11:45am and involved four vehicles: a commercial trailer conveying coal, a commercial bus, and two commercial cars.
Confirming the incident in a statement released on Monday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), through its Assistant Corps Marshal and Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, said preliminary investigations pointed to speed violation and dangerous driving as the likely cause of the crash.
According to the FRSC, further findings indicated that the driver of the coal-laden trailer was travelling at an excessive speed beyond the legally prescribed limit for the corridor.
The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle and rammed into already parked vehicles, triggering the fatal chain collision.
The Corps disclosed that a total of 18 persons were involved in the crash. The victims comprised eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children.
Five of the victims were confirmed dead instantly at the scene of the accident. Seven others were rescued alive and rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention but later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to 12.
Meanwhile, three other victims sustained injuries of varying degrees, including bruises, cuts, fractures, and head injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at medical facilities.
The FRSC stated that its operatives received a distress call at 11:47am and arrived at the crash scene by 11:54am, recording a response time of seven minutes.
The injured victims were promptly evacuated to Abaji General Hospital, while the deceased were released to their families for burial in line with established procedures.
The statement read, “The crash involved four vehicles: one commercial trailer conveying coal, one commercial bus, and two commercial cars.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident could have been caused by speed violation and dangerous driving which led to loss of control. Further information gathered indicated that the truck driver was driving at an excessive speed beyond the legally prescribed limit for the corridor, lost control, and crashed into already parked vehicles, triggering the fatal collision.
“A total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising 8 adult males, 4 adult females, 2 male children, and 4 female children. Five (5) victims died instantly at the scene, while seven (7) others, who were successfully rescued and conveyed to the hospital, later succumbed to their injuries, bringing the total number of fatalities to twelve (12).
“Meanwhile, three (3) other victims sustained injuries of varying severity, including bruises, cuts, fractures, and head injuries, and are currently receiving medical attention.”
Reacting to the incident, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased.
He described the crash as tragic and avoidable, stressing that reckless driving and speeding continue to claim innocent lives on Nigerian roads.
The Corps Marshal cautioned motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic regulations.
He emphasised that compliance with road safety rules remains critical to reducing crashes and saving lives.
Mohammed also reaffirmed the FRSC’s commitment to sustained enforcement, public enlightenment campaigns, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to curb road traffic crashes and improve overall safety on highways across the country.
