No fewer than 12 people were confirmed dead in a fatal multiple vehicle accident on the Yangoji-Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja on Sunday.
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Felix Theman, the Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, confirmed the incident.
In a statement issued by the command’s Public Education Officer, Helen Nnaji, Theman said that the crash occurred about 11:45am at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received at 11:47am.
He said that a patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji arrived at the scene within seven minutes at about 11:54am.
According to him, four vehicles were involved in the crash.
“Two Volkswagen Golf cars with registration numbers GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW, a Ford Sharon bus with registration number AFN 325 YL, and a Volvo Randon trailer with registration number ANC 665 XA,” he said.
Theman said that preliminary investigations indicated that speed limit violation and loss of control led to a chain collision involving the vehicles.
He said that witness accounts ahowed that the trailer, belonging to African Natural Resources and Mines Limited and coming from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State with a consignment of coal, lost control.
He added: “It however, rammed into an illegal roadside motor park, triggering the multiple crash.
“A total of 18 persons were involved in the incident, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children and four female children.
“The casualty figure stood at 12 fatalities, including four adult males, two adult females, two male children and four female children.
“Three persons which are two adult males and one adult female sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt.”
Theman said that the FRSC personnel administered first aid at the scene, recovered items found in the vehicles, and secured them in safe custody.
He added that the injured victims were evacuated to Abaji General Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the deceased were released to their families for burial in line with religious and cultural practices.
He said that the Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigeria Police, Kwali Division had taken over the investigation to determine additional factors responsible for the crash.
Theman expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
He warned motorists, particularly commercial drivers, against the practice of creating illegal roadside loading and off-loading points along highways.
He described it as a major risk that exposed passengers, hawkers, and pedestrians to avoidable danger.
The commander urged road users to desist from speeding, dangerous driving, reckless overtaking, loss of control, and roadside loading.
These, he said, were especially in populated areas, and called for strict compliance with all traffic safety regulations to prevent further loss of lives.
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