Tragedy struck in Bauchi on Wednesday evening, as an auto crash claimed the lives of 18 people who were burnt beyond recognition at Nabardo Village along the ever-busy Bauchi-Jos road, The PUNCH has learnt.
The incident was said to have occurred on Wednesday at about 4.40pm and the FRSC rescue team arrived the scene after seven minutes.
Two commercial vehicles, a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number FKE 688 YC and a MAN Trailer, were involved in the incident.
The bus, it was gathered, was said to have had a head-on collision with the oncoming trailer and immediately went into flames.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corp, Bauchi State Command, Yusuf Abdullahi, who confirmed the incident to our correspondent, said that a total of 21 people, comprising of 18 male adults and three children were involved in the crash.
He expressed sadness over the incident saying that despite their unrelenting and tireless efforts at sensitising drivers on the dangers associated with speed violation they continually refuse to observe simple road traffic regulations.
Abdullahi stated, “It was a sad incident this evening that 18 people were killed in a fatal crash that occurred today, Wednesday, 4th January, 2023 at about three kilometers to Nabardo Village, along Bauchi-Jos road.
“The multiple fatal crash was caused by a speed violation. We were made to understand that as he was coming, he lost control and left his lane and faced an oncoming trailer and you know that the fuel tank of a hummer bus is very close to the engine.
“The moment it has a head-on collision, the next thing is for it to go into flames. So, when this happened, it went into flames as usual; it happened about three kilometers to Nabardo.
“The incident happened in a bush where there were no people, there was nobody close that could render any assistance. The whole vehicle and the occupants were burnt down to ashes completely.
“It is a very, very sad situation really. It is also very disheartening, it is a very bad report against us in the entire country. We spend two to three hours everyday sensitising them and telling them that their over-speeding and recklessness cannot take them anywhere but will only end their dream and life overnight.
“Just look at this incident now, both the driver and the entire occupants of this bus were burnt to ashes, you can’t identify anyone of them.
“The mass burial of the ashes is ongoing by the Nigeria Police Force and Social Welfare Officers.” (Punch)
