No fewer than 19 persons have been killed in a ghastly auto crash along the Kaduna-Abuja road.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed this in a statement on Monday.
Aruwan said the accident occurred on Sunday night at the Kateri axis of the highway.
He said security agencies reported the accident to the state government and officials of his ministry visited the scene.
Aruwan added that security report indicated that the driver of a commercial DAF trailer carrying 53 passengers lost control while on high speed and veered off into the bush.
He said, “A total of 53 people were involved in the crash; 16 of these died on the spot, with three others later confirmed dead.
“Thirty-four sustained injuries, which ranged from bruises and cuts to dislocations and head injuries. They were evacuated from the scene by personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps.
“Officials of the ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, visited the site of the crash to ascertain the report of events and avoid misrepresentations of the incident.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai expressed shock and sadness at the report, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who perished in the crash, while sending condolences to their families. He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.
“Going further, Governor commended the personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps for their swift response, and prompt evacuation of the casualties from the scene.
“The governor enjoined drivers on the route to exercise caution at all times and avoid potentially dangerous driving practices like speeding.”
Aruwan added that the driver of the truck, Auwal Idris, said most of the passengers on board the vehicle were picked up near a petrol station in Kara area of Lagos.
He said some of the passengers were going to Zaria, while Kano was his final destination.