The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kaduna Sector Command, said 16 persons died and four others injured in a road crash on the Kano-Kaduna expressway on Sunday at about 11:20hrs.

The Sector Commander, Mr Kabir Nadabo, told journalists that the crash occurred at Taban Sani Junction, Tashar Yari along the Kano-Kaduna expressway.

Mr Nadabo said, “The tragic road traffic crash involved a Toyota bus, with registration number TRB 674ZG, travelling from Kano State to Makurdi, Benue State.’’

He explained that the accident was a lone one caused by speeding where the driver lost control of the vehicle and plunged into a ditch.

“The rescue team of RS1.111 of Tashar Yari responded promptly and conducted the rescue,’’ he stated.

He said investigation into the crash revealed that of the 20 people involved, four were injured, but sadly 16 people lost their lives.

He added, “The injured were conveyed to the Makarfi General Hospital for immediate treatment while the deceased were deposited at the ABU Teaching Hospital, Shika in Zaria. The dead were deposited with the passenger manifest to help in identifying them as well as reaching out to their families respectively.’’

Mr Nadabo said as the lead agency in transport management, the FRSC was saddened by the incident.

“The Corps in Kaduna State will continue to perform its statutory duty of saving lives and property and fundamentally creating awareness on the dangers of road safety vices and unethical road culture,’’ he noted.

He said Kaduna State is a critical corridor, therefore the state command established instruments of safety to guide transporters on the importance of safe travels at all times.

He called on all stakeholders, particularly the transport unions, to help reach out and advocate the language of safety to their drivers.

He said that the corps was partnering media outlets to better inform the public on the perils of dangerous driving, overloading, driving with worn out tyres and fatigue caused by long journeys.

The sector commander said the Kaduna State FRSC, collaborating with transport unions, ensured the sensitisation of passengers on the need to always observe and caution drivers on speeding, wrongful overtaking and overloading.

“Together we can make a difference on the road and achieve the overall objectives of the Corps,” Mr Madabo said.

(NAN)