The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, on Saturday described the Friday fatal crash in Samawa Village, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, as a tragic but avoidable incident, calling for urgent action to prevent further loss of lives on Nigeria’s highways.
Twelve people were confirmed dead on Friday following a lone crash involving a DAF trailer along the Zaria–Kano Highway.
The trailer, with registration number KMC 931 ZE, was reportedly carrying goods alongside passengers — a practice the FRSC has repeatedly condemned.
Preliminary investigations revealed that “the cab hook of the trailer broke, detaching the cab from the trailer and causing a total loss of control,” according to a statement signed by the corps spokesperson, Olusegun Ogungbemide.
Of the 19 individuals involved, “12 died at the scene, five sustained injuries, and two were rescued unhurt,” the statement noted.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital, while the deceased have been taken to the Nasarawa Hospital mortuary.
Reacting to the incident, 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, the statement stated.
According to the statement, Mohammed emphasised the urgent need for transport operators to prioritise vehicle maintenance and modern fleet renewal, noting that mechanical failures remain a leading cause of road crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles.
“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 statement added.
