11 killed, 9 injured in Jigawa auto crash

By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse No fewer than 11 persons have been killed, while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries following an accident in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, told Daily Trust that the accident occurred at about 4:30 […]

By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse

No fewer than 11 persons have been killed, while nine others sustained varying degrees of injuries following an accident in Ringim Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, told Daily Trust that the accident occurred at about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, at Bagewu village along the Ringim axis.

He said the crash involved a red Golf 3 saloon car with registration number LNG 983 XA (Jos), driven by a 45-year-old man from Randawa village in Mani Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to him, the vehicle was conveying 20 passengers — six men, eight women and six children — from Masaka village in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State to Dutsi village in Mani LGA of Katsina State.

Shiisu said preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle’s front tyre burst while in motion, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a tree by the roadside.

“Eleven of the passengers died on the spot, while the remaining nine occupants, including the driver, were rushed to the nearest hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment and responding positively,” he said.

The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation into the incident has commenced.

The PPRO used the opportunity to warn motorists against speeding and overloading, and advised drivers to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey.

He stressed that anyone found violating traffic laws would be arrested, investigated and prosecuted accordingly.