At least 19 people, including five children, have been confirmed dead in a tragic road accident that occurred on Sunday along the Lokoja-Obajana highway in Kogi State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Kogi, Mr. Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident in Lokoja on Monday, describing it as a major tragedy caused by speeding and dangerous overtaking.
The crash happened at Gadabiu community around 4 p.m. and involved a Toyota Hummer bus and two articulated trucks. According to Tsukwam, the Hummer bus, which was travelling at high speed towards Abuja, tried to overtake a truck and collided head-on with another oncoming truck.
The impact resulted in a fire outbreak, which claimed the lives of 19 passengers — five of whom were children. Eight others survived with injuries ranging from burns and fractures to cuts and dislocations.
“Our rescue team, along with the police, managed to save the eight injured passengers and took them to Fisayo Hospital in Obajana for treatment,” Tsukwam said.
He warned motorists to drive responsibly and avoid risky overtaking, adding that highways are not meant for racing. He also called on road users to obey traffic laws to reduce road crashes and save lives.
