NO fewer than 21 athletes and officials of Kano State were feared dead today while on their way back to base from the 2025 National Sports Festival in Ogun State.

The festival ended on Thursday in Abeokuta and the Kano contingent, travelling on a bus, was involved in a tragic road accident that claimed those lives.

The crash is believed to have occurred around 8am today at the Daka Tsalle Bridge in the Garun Malam Local Government Area.

Witnesses reported that the bus the Kano athletes and officials were travelling on hit a pothole, causing it to control and overturn.

The state’s sports commission chairman, Umar Faggie, confirmed that the accident occurred at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura LGA of the state.

The athletes were traveling on a bus belonging to the Kano State Sports Commission when the vehicle reportedly flipped off the bridge, according to another report.

Survivors of the crash have been taken to Kura General Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

The exact number of injured persons is yet to be ascertained as rescue operations are ongoing.

Kano State finished 13th in the final medal table at the Gateway Games with 29 medals, including six gold.