A horrific bus accident in Kaduna state, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of 40 people, including 15 children, local authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

The incident occurred when a bus carrying 63 children collided with another vehicle. Initial reports indicate that 15 children were killed instantly at the scene, while 48 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Despite efforts to provide medical assistance, 10 more victims later succumbed to their injuries, and several others passed away in the hospital, raising the death toll to 40. Local officials have expressed their condolences to the families of the victims, as the community grapples with the magnitude of the tragedy.

Investigations into the cause of the accident are currently underway. (ILKHA)