The Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Shehu Mohammed, has described Friday’s fatal road crash in Samawa Village, Garun Malam Local Government Area of Kano State, as a “tragic but avoidable” incident, calling for urgent measures to curb further loss of lives on Nigerian highways.
The lone accident, which occurred along the Zaria–Kano Highway, claimed 12 lives and left five others injured after a DAF trailer with registration number KMC 931 ZE lost control. The vehicle, reportedly carrying both goods and passengers, has once again spotlighted the dangers of mixed loading — a practice repeatedly condemned by the FRSC.
According to a statement signed by FRSC spokesperson Olusegun Ogungbemide, preliminary investigations revealed that “the cab hook of the trailer broke, detaching the cab from the trailer and causing a total loss of control.”
Out of the 19 people involved, “12 died at the scene, five sustained injuries, and two were rescued unhurt,” the statement confirmed.
The injured are being treated at Kura General Hospital, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited at Nasarawa Hospital mortuary.
Reacting, Corps Marshal Mohammed expressed deep concern, stressing that the tragedy could have been prevented if safety standards were adhered to. “This incident was avoidable. Transport operators must phase out old, mechanically unsafe vehicles from their fleets,” he said.
He further warned against the risky practice of loading goods, animals, and passengers in the same vehicle, stressing that such violations would attract stiffer sanctions henceforth.
Mohammed also highlighted mechanical failures as a leading cause of crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles, urging haulage companies to prioritise fleet renewal and regular maintenance.
“The recurring loss of lives from preventable crashes underscores the urgent need for haulage companies to adopt modern fleet renewal practices and adhere to safety regulations,” the statement added.
