10 Die, 20 Injured in Niger Road Crash — FRSC
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has confirmed the death of 10 persons in a road crash that occurred on Monday along the Tafa–Gujeni route at Malam Tanko in Niger State.
The FRSC said the accident, which happened at about 8:20 a.m. within the Tafa axis, involved a DAF tanker with registration number FKY136XD, conveying 33 male occupants.
According to the Corps, 20 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, while three others were rescued unhurt.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC indicated that excessive speed led to loss of control of the vehicle, resulting in the fatal crash.
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The Corps also faulted the illegal act of mixed loading, noting that the tanker was conveying both goods and passengers, a practice it described as dangerous and prohibited.
FRSC operatives were said to have responded promptly to the distress call, rescuing 23 victims and clearing the obstruction to ensure the free flow of traffic.
The injured victims were taken to Umar Musa General Hospital, Sabon Wuse, for treatment, while the corpses of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
The Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the incident as avoidable, stressing that it was a painful reminder of the consequences of traffic violations.
He condemned the disregard for safety advisories by some road users and reiterated that no journey is worth the loss of human lives.
Mohammed added that the Corps would intensify enforcement and public enlightenment campaigns to curb excessive speeding and end the practice of mixed loading on highways.
He advised transport operators and drivers to comply with safety regulations, maintain speed limits, and avoid using inappropriate vehicles for passenger conveyance.
The Corps Marshal also commiserated with the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, urging members of the public to remain safety conscious at all times.
