Truck Conveying Coal Loses Control, Kills 12 In Abuja

No fewer than twelve persons lost their lives while three others sustained injuries in a multiple vehicle road crash along the Yangoji–Abaji road of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Command, confirmed the incident in a statement signed by its Public Education Officer, Helen Ntaji.

According to the statement, the crash happened at about 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received at 11:47 a.m.

Ntaji said the FRSC Zebra 6 Yangoji patrol team responded promptly and arrived at the scene within seven minutes of the call.

Preliminary investigations revealed that four vehicles were involved in the crash. They include two commercial cars, a Volkswagen Golf with registration number GWA 162 KZ and another Volkswagen Golf with registration number ABJ 111 NW, a Ford Sharon bus (AFN 325 YL), and a Volvo trailer (ANC 665 XA).

“Early findings suggest that speed limit violation and loss of control resulted in a chain collision involving multiple vehicles,” the FRSC stated.

An eyewitness account further indicated that the Volvo trailer, which was carrying coal, lost control and crashed into an illegal roadside motor park.

The truck, owned by African Natural Resources and Miles Limited, was travelling from Gujeni in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

The FRSC disclosed that a total of 18 persons were involved in the crash, comprising eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children.

“Casualty figures show that 12 people died, three were injured, and three escaped unhurt,” the statement added.

The injured victims were immediately evacuated to Abaji General Hospital for medical attention, while the deceased were released to their families for burial arrangements.

FRSC operatives also administered first aid at the scene and recovered personal belongings of the victims.

Meanwhile, the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police in Kwali has taken over the investigation to determine additional factors that may have contributed to the accident.

Reacting to the incident, the FCT Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Felix Theman, expressed sympathy to the families of the victims.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by this tragic crash and pray for the quick recovery of the injured,” Theman said.

He also warned to motorists, particularly commercial drivers operating along major expressways.

“Commercial drivers operating along express corridors who create unsafe loading and off-loading points by the roadside expose passengers, hawkers, and pedestrians to unnecessary danger,” he said.

The sector commander urged motorists to desist from such practices, and stressed that adherence to speed limits and traffic regulations remains critical to preventing avoidable loss of lives on the nation’s highways.