10 killed, 20 injured as truck crashes in Niger state

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 10 persons lost their lives while 20 others sustained injuries on Monday after a truck crashed along the Tafa-Gujeni route in Malam Tanko, Niger State.

In a statement on Monday, Felicia Kalu said the accident occurred around 8:20am within the Tafa axis and involved a DAF tanker with registration number FKY136XD carrying 33 male passengers.

Kalu noted that the crash underscores the severe consequences of disregarding safety regulations, particularly excessive speeding and the unlawful practice of conveying passengers alongside goods.

“Available evidence indicates that the crash was caused by excessive speed, which led to loss of control,” the statement reads.

“More disturbing, however, is the fact that the vehicle was engaged in the highly dangerous and illegal act of mixed loading, transporting both goods and human beings in the same vehicle; a practice the Corps has consistently warned against due to its catastrophic consequences.”

She added that FRSC operatives rescued 23 victims alive and swiftly cleared the obstruction to restore normal traffic flow.

“The injured victims were immediately evacuated to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” Kalu said.

According to her, Shehu Mohammed expressed deep concern over the incident, describing it as avoidable and a painful reminder of the dangers of traffic violations.

He reiterated that no journey is worth the loss of human lives and condemned the persistent disregard for safety advisories by some road users.

He further stressed that the corps would intensify enforcement and public awareness campaigns to curb excessive speeding and eliminate the practice of mixed loading on highways nationwide.

“To this end, transport operators and drivers are therefore strongly advised to comply with safety regulations, maintain prescribed speed limits, and desist from using inappropriate vehicles for passenger conveyance,” he added.

“The corps marshal extends his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes the injured victims speedy recovery.