By Emegwoako C. Paschal
A fatal road crash along the Kwali-Abaji expressway in the Federal Capital Territory killed 17 passengers in the early hours of Tuesday, November 22nd.
The car accident also injured four passengers, leaving one unharmed.
According to a statement signed on Tuesday by the Federal Road Safety Corps Spokesperson, Bisi Kazeem, the investigation into the fatal crash revealed that the crash involved 1 DAF Trailer with registration number BAU 632 XA and a Toyota Bus with registration number GME 201 ZU.
According to the Corps’ investigation, the primary causes of the crash were excessive speed and fatigue.
According to reports, the Corps’ emergency rescue team had completed the transport of the injured victims to Abaji General Hospital for immediate medical attention, while the remains of the deceased victims were deposited at the mortuary.
Speaking on the causes of the crash, Acting Corps Marshal Dauda Biu stated that drivers must avoid speeding because crash investigations over the years have linked major causes of crashes in Nigeria to exceeding the legal speed limit on all roads.
Biu also revealed that the fatigue was caused by the driver’s participation in a night-long trip without taking adequate rest during the driving period.
According to him, it was for this and other reasons that the Federal Government directed the Corps to begin sensitization and, later, enforcement on the mandatory installation of speed limiting devices.
While warning violators to stop violating road traffic regulations, he assured the public that the Corps will step up formidable operational activities to put an end to this threat.
Finally, he urged the public to use the FRSC toll-free number 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM, which are always available for all road users to report emergencies at any time.
