The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists to avoid traveling at night following a deadly road accident involving a petroleum tanker at KM 02 Koriagi village, along the Lapai-Bida route. The crash, which resulted in a fire, occurred on Sunday, September 8.
In a statement issued yesterday by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed called on stakeholders and the general public to help discourage night travel and reduce reliance on unsafe transportation methods.
According to Mohammed, the accident was caused by speeding, leading to a loss of control and the subsequent fire. The crash involved 55 male adults, with 18 injured and 37 fatalities.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that four vehicles were involved: a DAF Tanker, two DAF Trucks, and a Toyota car,” the report stated. The tanker, loaded with petroleum motor spirit (PMS) from Lagos en route to Kano, was speeding when the driver lost control, causing the vehicle to overturn and ignite on the highway.
“Tragically, another DAF truck carrying cows and passengers also crashed into the burning tanker due to excessive speed. The Toyota and the second DAF truck, both failing to maintain a safe following distance, subsequently collided with the inferno. All vehicles were completely destroyed by fire.”
The injured victims have been transported to Lapai General Hospital and Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida Specialist Hospital in Minna, Niger State, for medical treatment.
The Corps Marshal, who has prioritized tackling dangerous driving behavior since assuming office, emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between the FRSC, transport unions, security agencies, and state traffic management bodies. However, despite ongoing awareness campaigns, many drivers continue to disregard safety guidelines.
“It is particularly concerning that many trailer drivers choose to travel at night when the FRSC and task force personnel are less available,” Mohammed noted. He urged the public to support the FRSC’s efforts in curbing these hazardous road practices.
