No fewer than twelve people lost their lives, while three others sustained injuries in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of the Federal Capital Territory on Sunday.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the FCT Command’s Public Education Officer, Helen Ntaji.
She said the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received two minutes later. The Zebra 6 Yangoji patrol team arrived at the scene within seven minutes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that four vehicles were involved in the crash: two Volkswagen Golf cars, a Ford Sharon bus, and a Volvo trailer.
The FRSC attributed the accident to speed limit violation and loss of control, which led to a chain collision.
According to eyewitness accounts, the trailer laden with coal and owned by African Natural Resources and Miles Limited from Gujeni, Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State lost control and rammed into an illegal roadside motor park.
The FRSC disclosed that a total of 18 persons were involved in the accident, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children.
Out of this number, 12 people were confirmed dead, three sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt.
The injured victims were rushed to Abaji General Hospital for treatment, while the deceased were released to their families for burial.
FRSC officials also administered first aid and recovered personal belongings at the scene.
Meanwhile, the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police in Kwali has taken over the investigation to ascertain other factors that may have contributed to the crash.
Reacting to the incident, the FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He also warned commercial drivers against creating illegal roadside loading and off-loading points, noting that such practices endanger passengers, pedestrians, and roadside traders.
He urged motorists to desist from the act to prevent further avoidable loss of lives.
