No fewer than 18 people have been burnt to ashes in a multiple fatal crash that occurred a few kilometers to Nabardo village along the ever-busy Bauchi-Jos road.
The Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC), Bauchi State Sector Command, confirmed the incident to newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi.
The Sector Commander, Yusuf Abdullahi, said that the incident occurred on Wednesday at about 4.40pm.
He said that the unfortunate incident involved two commercial vehicles, a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number: FKE 688 YC and a MAN Trailer; noting that the Bus had a head-on collision with an incoming trailer and immediately went into flames.
According to him, 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 sensitizing drivers on the dangers associated with speed violation and their refusal to observe simple road traffic regulations.
‘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 sensitizing them and telling them that their overspending 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 into ashes, you can’t identify anyone of them.
“The unfortunate and 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 incoming 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,” he lamented.
The FRSC Boss said that “the mass burial of the ashes is ongoing by the Nigeria Police Force and Social Welfare Officers.”
