An accident in the early hours of today (06:30HRS Tuesday) on the Abuja-Lokoja highway has claimed the lives of 17 passengers, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has said.
According to a statement by the FRSC, the fatal crash, which occurred at before Awawa community between Kwali and Abaji, involved 1 DAF Trailer with number BAU 632 XA, and a Toyota bus with registration details GME 201 ZU.
“Unfortunately, there where a total of 22 occupants involved in the crash, out of which 17 victims all Male were killed. Four other occupants, also male victims who were rescued alive sustained various degrees of injuries, while the remaining 1 male occupant was rescued without any injury, Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer, said in the statement.
Kazeem said the main cause of the crash, according to the report, are excessive speed (speed limit violation) and fatigue.
He added that, as at the time of this statement, “the emergency rescue team of the Corps has concluded the rescue of the injured victims to Abaji General Hospital for immediate medical attention, while the remains of the dead victims were deposited at the mortuary.”
Speaking on the causes of the crash, the Acting Corps Marshal Dauda Ali Biu said drivers must avoid speeding as investigations conducted over the years showed that major crashes in Nigeria were caused by excessive violation of legal speed limit on all roads.
He warned drivers against night trips and urged them to always observe rest period of 30 minutes after every four hours drive so as to avoid the dangers of excessive speed and fatigue on the highways.
According to him, it was this and many other factors that necessitated the directive given by the Federal Government for the Corps to commence sensitisation and subsequently, enforcement on compulsory installation of speed limiting device.
While warning violators to desist from compromising road traffic regulations, he assured the public that the Corps will step up formidable operational activities that will bring this menace to an end.
He urged the public to always patronize the FRSC toll free line 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM which are always available for all road users to report emergencies at any given time.
