A tragic road accident along the Kankia–Katsina Road has claimed the lives of nine passengers, while 17 others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a devastating collision involving a commercial bus and a trailer in Katsina State.

The fatal crash occurred at Kwanar Gidan Mutum Daya at about 8:03 p.m. on Saturday night, throwing the community into mourning as emergency responders battled to rescue victims trapped in the wreckage.

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Katsina Sector Command, confirmed that the accident involved a Toyota Hummer commercial bus and a trailer, with a total of 26 people affected.

This was contained in a statement signed by Deputy Route Commander Shamsudeen Babajo, Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC RS1.3 Katsina Sector Command.

According to the Corps, rescue operatives from the RS1.35 Kankia Unit Command responded swiftly after receiving a distress call and arrived at the scene within 23 minutes to commence rescue operations alongside other emergency agencies.

The sector command disclosed that 17 victims suffered injuries ranging from fractures and broken limbs to severe cuts, while nine people lost their lives in the horrifying crash.

Four of the deceased were reportedly burnt beyond recognition after the commercial vehicle burst into flames moments after the collision.

All injured victims were immediately evacuated to General Hospital Kankia for urgent medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Reacting to the tragedy, the FRSC sympathised with the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.

The Corps also revealed that investigations had commenced to determine the exact cause of the accident, while urging motorists to strictly obey traffic regulations, avoid reckless driving, and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, particularly during the busy Eid El Kabir travel season. (Channels TV)