No fewer than 11 persons died, and 16 others were injured, with one person rescued unhurt in an auto crash at Gaya junction along the Kano– Maiduguri road.

The Kano State FRSC sector commander, Ibrahim Sallau-Abdullahi, disclosed this in a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Labaran, on Saturday in Kano.

He said the accident involved a Toyota Hummer bus, with registration number KTG 190 XB and a Hijet mini pick-up, with registration number KTG 501 YG.

“We received a call at about 03:45 p.m. on April 19, 2024. On receiving the information, we quickly dispatched our personnel and vehicle to the scene of the incident to rescue the victims at 03:55 p.m.,” said Mr Abdullahi.

The sector commander said that the accident occurred due to speeding and loss of control. A head-on collision ensued, and two vehicles burst into flames immediately.

“The accident involved a total of 28 passengers in the two vehicles, out of which 11 lost their lives while 16 others sustained serious injuries, and one was rescued unhurt.

“The injured were taken to Gaya General Hospital for urgent medical treatment, while the corpses were respectfully laid to rest in a mass burial ceremony,” Mr Abdullahi said.

The sector commander, who lamented the incident’s occurrence, emphasised the importance of complying with road safety rules and regulations.

He urged drivers to refrain from committing traffic offences such as speed violations and overloading of vehicles with passengers, animals or goods.

Mr Abdullahi also advised commercial drivers to install speed limit devices to avoid crashes resulting from speed limit violations.

He said the command was committed to ensuring the safety of road users and vowed,” We will intensify efforts to enforce traffic regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

(NAN)