A tragic road accident along the Yangoji–Abaji axis of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, claimed at least 12 lives on Sunday following a multiple-vehicle collision.
The incident was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) FCT Sector Command through its Public Education Officer, Mrs Helen Nnaji, quoting the Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman.
According to Theman, the crash occurred around 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with emergency responders receiving the distress call two minutes later.
He said a patrol team from the Zebra 6 Unit in Yangoji arrived at the scene within seven minutes to begin rescue operations.
Preliminary reports showed that four vehicles were involved in the collision.
The vehicles included two Volkswagen Golf cars, a Ford Sharon bus, and a Volvo Randon trailer.
Theman explained that initial findings pointed to excessive speed and loss of control, which resulted in a chain collision along the corridor.
He added that eyewitness accounts indicated that the trailer, conveying a consignment of coal from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, veered off course and crashed into an illegal roadside motor park.
A total of 18 persons were involved in the accident, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children and four female children.
Out of this number, 12 persons lost their lives, including four adult males, two adult females, two male children and four female children.
Three victims — two adult males and one adult female — sustained varying degrees of injuries, while three others escaped unharmed.
FRSC officials administered first aid at the scene, recovered personal belongings from the affected vehicles and kept them in safe custody.
The injured were taken to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were released to their families in line with religious and cultural practices.
Theman disclosed that the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over investigations to establish other possible causes of the crash.
He expressed sympathy with the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
The FRSC commander cautioned motorists, especially commercial drivers, against setting up illegal roadside loading and off-loading points, warning that such practices significantly increase the risk of fatal accidents on highways.