By Frank Kamuntu
At least 36 people have been confirmed dead following a horrible accident near Samunaka in Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Daily Post reported that the victims were travelling to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud – Prophet Muhammad’s birthday when the accident occurred on Sunday, September 15.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the bus lost control due to overspeeding and overloading, leading to the horrible crash.
“The town of Saminaka was filled with travellers mostly to celebrate the Maulud festival when a J5 Bus with registration number NSL 08 AA carrying sixty-three (63) people on board crashes onto a DAF Trailer with registration number DKA 454 XY. The incident occurred at LEA Primary School lere.
“Furthermore, initial investigation revealed that the driver or J5, who was at high speed, lost control of his vehicle, which was loaded with people heading to the Festival and crashed onto the Trailer,” police said.
Among those who perished in the accident included 15 children, who were part of the passengers.
Malam Abdullahi, one of the Maulud celebration organizers, stated that the accident disrupted their plans.
“We had around 70 people, including women and children, in our entourage. I personally counted the victims. It was a heartbreaking scene,” Abdullahi said as reported by BBC.
Abdullahi said over 35 people were rushed to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) in nearby Plateau State for medical treatment.
