At least seven people have lost their lives in a fatal crash along the Alkaleri–Gombe Federal Highway, while 41 others sustained serious injuries.
The tragic incident was disclosed in an updated First Information Report, FIR, from the RS12.13 Alkaleri Unit Command of the Bauchi State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, made available to DAILY POST.
According to the report, the crash occurred around 3:00 p.m. at Kirfi Junction and involved a commercial DAF trailer. All seven deceased were adult males.
The lone crash was attributed to a mechanical fault, specifically, a structural failure in which the head of the trailer detached from its body while in motion.
A total of 48 people were involved in the incident, including 38 adult males and 10 male children. Of these, 41 sustained varying degrees of injuries, 25 adult males and 16 male children, while seven adult males died at the scene.
FRSC personnel were said to have responded to the distress call at 3:02 p.m. and arrived at the scene by 3:50 p.m., marking a 48-minute response time.
The injured were transported to the General Hospital in Alkaleri, with some later referred to the Specialist Hospital in Bauchi for advanced care. The remains of the deceased were deposited in the morgue before being handed over to their families for burial.
The rescue operation was led by DRC H.Y. Danjuma on behalf of the Unit Commander.
In the wake of the tragedy, Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, paid a condolence visit to Kirfi Local Government Area on Friday. During the visit, he announced a N50 million relief package for the victims and their families.
According to the governor, each bereaved family will receive N2 million, while those still receiving treatment in hospital will be given N1 million each. Victims who have been discharged will receive N500,000 each.
He added that additional support would be provided through the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA.
Governor Mohammed described the accident as deeply painful, especially given the loss of many young lives.
The governor condemned the practice of transporting over 200 people in a single truck, calling it highly irresponsible and unacceptable.
