Seven Killed, Five Injured in Fatal Road Crash in Niger
By Zagazola Makama
Seven people have been killed and five others injured in a fatal road crash involving two vehicles in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.
The accident occurred at about 11:20 a.m. along the highway in Lavun LGA when a Mazda vehicle, registration number BQ436-ABC, carrying eight passengers and travelling towards Mokwa, collided with a Toyota Sienna LE bus, registration number YAB-71EU, carrying five passengers and heading towards Abuja.
According to the Police, the Mazda was being driven by a man identified as Magaji from Kwara State, while the Sienna was driven by 55-year-old Saliu Okunoye of Die-Die, Abuja.
Preliminary investigation indicated that the Mazda driver was attempting to overtake another vehicle around a sharp bend when it rammed into the Sienna, which was travelling on its rightful lane.
Seven passengers in the Mazda died at the scene, while three others sustained injuries.
Two passengers in the Sienna also sustained injuries.
Following the incident, Police personnel visited the scene and evacuated the injured victims and bodies to General Hospital Kutigi for medical treatment and autopsy.
The Police have commenced investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The incident highlights the deadly consequences of dangerous overtaking, particularly around bends and other high-risk sections of highways.
Authorities are expected to intensify traffic enforcement and public awareness campaigns against dangerous overtaking, speeding and other road-user violations on major highways in Niger State.
