No fewer than 21 travellers are feared to have lost their lives in a devastating road accident that occurred on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway on Thursday, PUNCH Metro learnt.
Our correspondent gathered that the tragic incident involved a truck and a passenger Hummer bus heading to Kano and Batsari town in Katsina State.
An eyewitness who spoke on the condition of anonymity told PUNCH Metro that the accident happened near a route diversion, where all motorists were forced to drive on a single lane.
He said the driver of the articulated vehicle fled the scene, leaving it behind and another container truck, which blocked the busy highway.
“The accident occurred close to a route diversion which forced all motorists from the two opposite directions to drive on a single lane,” he said.
An official of the Federal Road Safety Commission, who wished to remain anonymous, said, “Three passengers survived the accident and were rushed to the Umaru Musa Memorial Hospital in Sabon-Wuse town for medical attention. The remains of the victims were deposited at the hospital’s morgue.”
“The accident is a wake-up call for all of us to be more careful on the road,” said a motorist who witnessed the accident. “We need to exercise caution and patience while plying the route.”
The FRSC and police authorities have yet to confirm the incident.
The Divisional Police Officer in charge of Tafa Division, Kagarko LG of Kaduna State, Idris Ibrahim, was said to be compiling a report on the incident.
Our correspondent gathered that the tragic accident caused a significant build-up of traffic on the expressway, with motorists stranded for hours.
The incident highlights the need for improved road safety measures and enforcement to prevent such tragedies.
The authorities urged motorists to exercise caution and patience while plying the route, as efforts are being made to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.
