TWELVE people were killed and three others injured in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor in the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday, the Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed.
According to a statement sent to News Point Nigeria by the FRSC FCT Command’s Public Education Officer, Helen Ntaji, the incident occurred at approximately 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first emergency call received just two minutes later. The Zebra 6 Yangoji patrol team arrived on the scene within seven minutes.
Preliminary investigations indicated that “four vehicles were involved, including a trailer, a bus, and two commercial cars. The vehicles were identified as a Volkswagen Golf (GWA 162 KZ), a Ford Sharon Bus (AFN 325 YL), another Volkswagen Golf (ABJ 111 NW), and a Volvo trailer (ANC 665 XA).
“Early findings suggest that speed limit violation and loss of control resulted in a chain collision involving multiple vehicles,” the FRSC said.
The FRSC reported that eyewitnesses said the truck, carrying coal and owned by African Natural Resources and Miles Limited from Gujeni, Kagarko Local Government in Kaduna State, lost control and crashed 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.
“Casualty figures show that 12 people died, three were injured, and three escaped unhurt,” it said.
The injured were immediately transported to Abaji General Hospital, while the deceased were handed over to their families for burial arrangements. First aid and recovery of personal items were carried out on site by FRSC operatives.
The Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police in Kwali has taken over the investigation to determine further factors responsible for the accident.
FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, expressed his condolences to the families affected. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic crash and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” he said.
The commander also issued a warning to road users.
“Commercial drivers operating along express corridors who create unsafe loading and off-loading points by the roadside expose passengers, hawkers, and pedestrians to unnecessary danger.
“Motorists are urged to stop this practice immediately to prevent further avoidable loss of lives,” he said.