FRSC confirms nine dead, 17 injured in Katsina highway crash

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The Federal Road Safety Corps in Katsina State has confirmed the death of nine persons and injuries to 17 others in a fatal road accident involving a commercial bus and a trailer along the Kankia-Katsina Road.

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Shamsudeen Babajo, the sector public education officer, confirmed this in a statement issued in Katsina.

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He said that the tragic incident occurred at Kwanar Gidan Mutum Daya at about 8:03 p.m. on Saturday.

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According to him, the crash involved a Toyota, a Hummer commercial bus and a trailer, with a total of 26 persons affected in the accident.

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Babajo said personnel of the Kankia Unit Command responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and arrived at the scene within 23 minutes to commence rescue operations in collaboration with other emergency agencies.

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He explained that 17 victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, including fractures, broken limbs and severe cuts, while nine passengers died as a result of the impact of the collision.

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The spokesman further disclosed that four of the deceased victims were burnt beyond recognition after the commercial vehicle reportedly caught fire moments after the accident.

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According to him, all injured victims were immediately evacuated to General Hospital Kankia for treatment, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

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“The rescue team worked tirelessly to evacuate victims and clear the obstruction to restore free flow of traffic along the route,” he stated.

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Babajo said the sector commander sympathised with the families of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured victims.

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He added that preliminary investigations into the cause of the crash had commenced, noting that findings would help authorities in preventing future occurrences.

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The command urged motorists to avoid speeding, dangerous overtaking and reckless driving, especially during the busy festive travel period ahead of Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

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The FRSC also advised drivers to ensure that their vehicles were mechanically fit before embarking on long-distance journeys, while passengers were encouraged to speak out against unsafe driving habits.

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The corps reiterated its commitment to ensuring safer roads through sustained patrols, public enlightenment campaigns and strict enforcement of traffic regulations across Katsina State. (NAN)

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