Following a tragic lone crash that claimed twelve (12) lives at Samawa Village, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, along the Zaria–Kano Highwayon Friday, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has again advised transport owners to prioritise periodic fleet renewal and proper vehicle maintenance.
The accident, according to a statement made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP), involved a DAF Trailer with registration number KMC 931 ZE, and loaded with goods (Ajinomoto spices) and passengers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the incident was caused by a mechanical fault as the trailer’s cab hook broke, causing the cab to detach from the trailer body and resulting in loss of control.
Out of 19 persons involved in the crash, 12 were killed, 5 sustained injuries and 2 were rescued unhurt.
The statement noted that the deceased have since been deposited at the Nasarawa Hospital Mortuary, while the injured are receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.
In his reaction, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, described the tragedy as avoidable, and urged transport operators to phase out old, mechanically unsafe vehicles from their fleets. He warned against the dangerous practice of loading goods, animals, and passengers in the same vehicle, stressing that such violations would attract stiffer sanctions going forward.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, mni, reiterated the Corps’ commitment to intensifying enforcement on speed violations, overloading, and poor vehicle maintenance, particularly among truck operators. He emphasized that the recurring loss of lives from preventable crashes underscores the urgent need for haulage companies to adopt modern fleet renewal practices and adhere to safety regulations.
The FRSC reiterates that safety on Nigeria’s roads is a shared responsibility and calls on all stakeholders to work together to end preventable road crashes.
