The Federal Road Safety Corps has blamed fatigue and excessive speed for the tragic road crash that claimed the lives of 21 Kano State athletes and officials returning from the just-concluded 2024 National Sports Festival in Abeokuta.
The accident occurred at approximately 12:30 p.m. on Saturday near Gadar Yankifi along the Kaduna-Kano expressway, involving a Kano State Government coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17.
According to a statement signed by the corps spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, the bus was carrying 24 passengers – 23 male adults and one female adult – when it veered off the road. Three survivors, including the only female passenger, sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital, whilst the remaining 21 victims, all male adults, were confirmed dead at the scene.
“The crash involved a coaster bus with registration number KN 041 A17 belonging to Kano State Government had 24 people on board comprising of 23 Male adults and 1 female adult,” the statement explained.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed profound sadness and extended condolences to the bereaved families and the Kano State Government.
“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, has expressed profound sadness and commiserated with the Kano State Government and the families of the travellers who lost their lives in a tragic lone road crash that might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed as a result of long night trip,” the statement read.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Mohammed urged commercial and fleet operators to strictly enforce rest periods for drivers and adhere to speed regulations, especially on night trips where poor visibility increases risk.
“The FRSC corps marshal emphasised on the need for fleet operators to admonish their drivers against fatigue driving and violation of speed limits especially as they drive in the night when visibility is extremely poor,” the statement said.
“The corps marshal also urged all road users to prioritise safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and exercise caution while on the roads. He emphasised the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, avoiding speeding, and ensuring that drivers are well-rested.”