Seventeen people lost their lives on Monday in Zamfara State when a commercial bus crashed into a collapsed bridge in the Gwalli area.
The accident involved an 18-seater bus carrying mostly women. The vehicle was said to be moving at high speed when the driver failed to notice the damaged bridge and ran into it. The bridge had collapsed earlier in the week, and residents had been using sandbags to create a temporary crossing point before the tragedy occurred.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Zamfara, the crash left only one survivor. The State Command confirmed that emergency responders and residents worked together to rescue victims after the impact.
The FRSC also extended condolences to the families of those who died, as well as to the people and government of Zamfara. The Command urged motorists to avoid late-night travel, ensure their vehicles are in proper condition, and seek information on road safety before embarking on long trips.
The crash has once again drawn attention to the dangers posed by neglected infrastructure and the risks faced by road users across the country.