At least 12 people were confirmed dead in a fatal multiple vehicle accident on the Yangoji–Abaji corridor of Abuja on Sunday.
Felix Theman, the Federal Road Safety Corps’ FCT sector commander, confirmed the crash in a statement.
Mr Theman said that the crash occurred at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received at 11:47 a.m. He said that a patrol team from Zebra 6 Unit, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.
According to him, four vehicles were involved in the crash. Two Volkswagen Golf cars with registration numbers GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW, a Ford Sharon bus with registration number AFN 325 YL, and a Volvo Randon trailer with registration number ANC 665 XA.
Mr Theman said that preliminary investigations indicated that speed limit violation and loss of control led to a chain collision involving the vehicles.
Reports indicated that the trailer, belonging to African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd and originating from Gujeni in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna, carrying a consignment of coal, lost control.
“It, however, rammed into an illegal roadside motor park, triggering the multiple crash. A total of 18 persons were involved in the incident, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children.
“The casualty figure stood at 12 fatalities, including four adult males, two adult females, two male children, and four female children. Three people, who are two adult males and one adult female, sustained injuries, while three others escaped unhurt,” he said.
Mr Theman said that the FRSC personnel administered first aid at the scene, recovered items found in the vehicles, and secured them in safe custody. He added that the injured victims were evacuated to Abaji General Hospital for urgent medical attention, while the deceased were released to their families for burial in line with religious and cultural practices.
He said that the Motor Traffic Division of the Kwali Division of the police had taken over the investigation to determine additional factors responsible for the crash.
(NAN)