Nineteen persons have died in a fatal road crash which occurred at the Kateri axis of the Kaduna-Abuja highway on Sunday March 21.

Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, who confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, March 22, said 34 others were injured and are now receiving treatment in a hospital.

According to Aruwan, the crash, which occurred late on Sunday evening, March 21, involved a commercial DAF trailer and was caused by a combination of speeding, and an exploding tyre, leading to a loss of control, which caused the vehicle to veer into the bush.

“A total of fifty-three (53) people were involved in the crash; 16 of these died on the spot, with three others later confirmed dead. Thirty-four (34) sustained injuries which ranged from bruises and cuts to dislocations and head injuries. They were evacuated from the scene by personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps. The survivors are receiving treatment in hospital,” he said.

Officials of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, visited the site of the crash to ascertain the report of events and avoid misrepresentations of the incident.

According to Auwal Idris, the driver, most of the passengers on board the ill-fated trailer were picked at Kara, by a filling station in Lagos, with some to be dropped off at Zaria, while Kano was meant to be the final destination.

Aruwan said Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed shock and sadness at the report, and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who perished in the crash, while sending condolences to their families. He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.

The Governor commended the personnel of the Federal Road Safety Corps for their swift response, and prompt evacuation of the casualties from the scene.