A tragic road accident on the Lapai-Agaie-Bida Federal Highway has claimed the lives of 14 people and left six others seriously injured. The Niger State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident, attributing the crash to excessive speeding and wrongful overtaking.
Fatal Collision Between Bus and Tanker
The accident occurred at 10:59 AM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, between Kusobogi and Nami. It involved a Toyota Hiace bus traveling from Minna to Agaie and a DAF tanker en route from Lagos to Kaduna.
According to an FRSC report, the Toyota Hiace bus driver, while attempting to overtake another vehicle at high speed, collided head-on with the oncoming tanker. The impact resulted in immediate fatalities and multiple injuries.
Casualties and Emergency Response
The crash resulted in the deaths of 14 passengers, including five females, one male child, and eight males. Six male passengers sustained serious injuries and were rushed to the General Hospital in Lapai for urgent medical attention.
Emergency responders evacuated the injured to the hospital, while the deceased were taken to the morgue. Authorities have since cleared the accident scene to restore traffic flow on the busy federal highway.
FRSC Urges Road Safety Compliance
In light of the tragic incident, FRSC Sector Commander Kumar Tsukwam urged motorists to adhere strictly to road safety regulations. He emphasized the dangers of reckless driving, excessive speeding, and improper vehicle maintenance, stressing the need for caution to prevent future tragedies.
Road Safety Measures and Awareness
The FRSC has consistently advocated for improved road safety, particularly on high-risk highways like Lapai-Bida Road. Motorists are advised to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking, and ensure their vehicles are in optimal condition before embarking on long journeys.