Driver Burnt To Death As Bus Conveying Groundnuts Crashes In Abuja

An accident involving a Peugeot J5 bus and a heavy-duty truck claimed the life of one person and left another injured along the Kubwa–Suleja expressway, opposite the Niger Barracks, on Wednesday.

The incident, which occurred at about 9:21 p.m., was confirmed by the Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) on Thursday.

According to FEMD’s Head of Public Affairs, Nkechi Isa, the Peugeot J5 bus loaded with bags of groundnut collided with the truck and burst into flames upon impact, trapping its occupants.

“The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has rescued two people trapped in a burning Peugeot J5 bus. The accident occurred along the Kubwa/Suleja road opposite the Niger Barracks around 9.21 p.m. yesterday,” the statement read in part.

The FEMD’s Head of Operations, Search and Rescue, Mr. Monday Adie, said the driver of the bus was fatally injured and suffered severe burns. His burned remains have since been handed over to his family for burial.

Meanwhile, the second occupant, who survived the crash, was taken to Asokoro General Hospital but has since been discharged at the request of his family.

The rescue operation, which lasted until about 1:30 a.m., was carried out by the FCT Fire Service, the Nigerian Army, and the FCT Police Command.

Reacting to the incident, Acting Director General of FEMD, Abdulrahman Mohammed, urged motorists to exercise caution on the road and ensure that their vehicles are in good working condition.

He also reminded FCT residents to call the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of any emergency or disaster.