At least 27 persons have been confirmed dead in three separate Road Traffic Crashes in three states of the country, cutting across Mokwa in Niger state, Calabar in Cross River state and Ibadan in Oyo state.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Ibadan crash involved a Toyota Bus bearing registration details TRK135ZY, while the Mokwa crash involved a trailer transiting from Lagos which had a head on collision with a bus.
The Calabar crash which left 29 persons critically injured, occurred in front of a mosque and claimed the lives of seven spectators during the Bikers parade, which is part of the annual Calabar Carnival held Tuesday.
The Cross River Sector Commander of the Corps, Maikano Hassan confirmed the death of seven persons in the crash which happened after a car ran into the Bikers parade and crushed some victims.
Spokesman of the FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem disclosed that18 people (all male adults) were involved in the Ibadan crash, out of which 10 were killed, six injured and the rest rescued without any injuries.
It was also confirmed that 10 victims were killed in the Mokwa crash, 9 of which were confirmed dead on the spot and the remaining victim confirmed dead on arrival at the hospital.
The main cause of the crash according to the statement, was dangerous driving, road obstruction and excessive speed, which led to loss of control.
The statement read in part: “The six victims who were rescued with different degrees of injuries during the rescue operations of the Ibadan crash were given adequate first aid by the Corps’ medical rescue team before moving them to Ibadan Central Hospital for proper medical attention.
“While the remains of the killed victims were deposited in Adeoyo General Hospital Morgue in Ibadan, Oyo State.”
Reacting to this development, the Acting Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu decried the incessant violation of legal speed limits and noticeable traces of dangerous driving behaviours exhibited by drivers during the Christmas celebrations, and warned perpetrators of such culture to desist henceforth as the Corps will not spare them when apprehended.
He admonished the public to always patronize the FRSC toll free line 122 and the National Traffic Radio 107.1 FM which are always available for all road users to report emergencies at any given time.
