El-Maulud Tragedy: FRSC Launches Investigation as Death Toll Climbs to 40

By Damola Emmanuei

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, has launched a comprehensive investigation into the motor accident that occurred on Eid-El-Maulud, Sunday, in Kaduna State as the death toll from the crash climbs to 40.

Most of the victims were children.

The tragedy occurred on the Saminaka Road in Lere Local Government Area when a J5 bus carrying children to celebrate the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Maulud reportedly lost control due to over-speeding and overloading, and collided with an articulated vehicle.

Initial assessment of the tragedy by the FRSC indicated 25 fatalities, with 48 suffering varying degrees of injuries, most of them critical, and were taken to various hospitals for urgent medical care. But more died from their injuries in hospital, bringing the total death toll to 40.

According to reports, the disaster occurred around 1:00 p.m. on Sunday when a Peugeot J5 bus, carrying 63 children, collided with an oncoming articulated vehicle, killing 15 of the children instantly.

A traumatized Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State was shocked and in deep sorrow at the news of the horror. He offered condolences to the bereaved families as well of citizens of the state at large, assuring that his administration would do all in its power to bring succor to the victims’ families.

“This is a tragic loss of young lives, and we will do everything possible to support the affected families,” the Governor said as he announced plans to reach out to the Families and victims in hospitals, ordering his Commissioner for Health to ensure that survivors receive urgent and comprehensive medical care.

The Kaduna Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed the incident, identifying overloading and excessive speeding as the most probable causes of the tragedy.

Nadabo emphasized the significance of road safety, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

“This accident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of reckless driving,” he told journalists. “We urge drivers to be cautious and follow speed limits to avoid similar incidents.”

He disclosed that some victims were transferred to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital in Shika, the University of Jos Teaching Hospital, as well as Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for urgent and comprehensive medical attention.

Investigation into the horrifying crash is underway.