The death toll from the tragic bus accident in Kaduna during Eid-el-Maulud celebrations has risen to 40, with most of the victims being children.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 1:00 p.m. when a J5 bus carrying 63 children lost control due to over speeding and overloading, colliding with an articulated vehicle along Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area.
Initially reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, as 25 fatalities and 48 injuries, the number of deaths increased as more victims succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani expressed deep sorrow and offered condolences to the victims’ families. He has directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that the surviving children receive immediate and comprehensive medical care. Governor Sani also plans to reach out to the families of the deceased to provide support during this tragic time.
READ ALSO : Bus accident kills 18 people on Ijebu-Ode/Benin expressway
Kaduna Sector Commander of the FRSC, Commander Kabiru Nadabo, explained that the driver lost control of the bus due to excess speed. Fifteen children died at the scene, and ten more later succumbed to their injuries, with additional victims passing away in hospital.
Nadabo emphasized the critical importance of road safety and urged drivers to adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragedies. Due to the severity of the injuries, some victims were transferred to ABU Teaching Hospital in Shika, the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for specialized medical treatment.
In accordance with Islamic burial traditions, the remains of the deceased have been laid to rest in Lere Local Government Area.
The FRSC has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash and is using this tragedy as a call for heightened road safety awareness. Nadabo underscored the need for drivers to prioritize safe driving practices to avoid future incidents, expressing sympathy for the affected families.
Credible News.ng
