The police command in Kebbi has confirmed that 18 people died when a truck conveying passengers and cows crashed at Malisa village, Gwandu local council.

The police spokesman, SP Nafi’u Abubakar, disclosed this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Monday. He said the crash occurred on Sunday at about 11:00 p.m. when the driver lost control of the truck at Malisa village along Aliero-Sokoto road.

Mr Abubakar said the truck, with registration number SRP 442 XA, was conveying passengers and cows from Illela LGA of Sokoto State to Lagos.

“On reaching Malisa junction, the driver lost control of the truck, and it fell down. As a result, 42 passengers sustained various degrees of injury. On receipt of the report, the commissioner of police in the state, CP Ahmed Magaji-Kontagora, instantly rushed to the scene and evacuated the victims to General Hospital Gwandu for treatment,” the statement explained.

“A medical doctor in the hospital confirmed 18 dead, while the remaining victims are currently responding to treatment. Similarly, 16 cows also died as a result of the accident,” Mr Abubakar.

He also mentioned that he prayed for the souls of those who died and the speedy recovery of the injured passengers.

“The CP called on the NURTW, NARTO and other road users to always ensure they emplace adequate safety measures in their vehicles and be conscious while driving, with a view to preventing future occurrences,” added Mr Abubakar. ?They should observe the speed limit, avoid overloading, recklessness and be more careful while driving.”

(NAN)