A devastating motor accident at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, Kano State, has claimed the lives of at least 20 athletes from the Kano State Contingent. The athletes were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when the tragedy occurred on Saturday.
According to Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, the bus carrying 30 athletes veered off the road and fell from Dakatsalle Bridge, resulting in the fatal crash. “As I am speaking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge reported, with the death toll later rising to at least 20. He added that several other athletes sustained injuries of varying severity and are receiving medical attention.
Ado Salisu, former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), confirmed that victims were being transported to Kura General Hospital for treatment and identification. Emergency response teams and medical personnel are working tirelessly to assist the victims and manage the aftermath of the accident.
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Abdullahi Labaran, Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, acknowledged the incident but stated that the exact number of casualties could not yet be confirmed. “We just received the report of the accident, so I cannot confirm the exact number of deaths or injured persons at the moment,” Labaran said. The FRSC is actively investigating the cause of the accident and coordinating with relevant authorities to provide support.
The loss of these athletes, who represented Kano State at the National Sports Festival, has sent shockwaves through the local community and the nation. The festival, a celebrated event showcasing Nigeria’s sporting talent, concluded successfully in Abeokuta, making the tragedy even more heart-wrenching for families, teammates, and sports enthusiasts.
Authorities are expected to release further details as the investigation progresses. The Kano State Government and sports officials are likely to address the public soon, offering condolences and outlining measures to support the affected families and injured athletes. Efforts are underway to ensure that survivors receive adequate medical care and that the circumstances leading to the accident are thoroughly examined to prevent future tragedies.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the need for enhanced road safety measures, particularly for large delegations traveling long distances. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
