A devastating road crash on Sunday along the Lokoja-Obajana highway in Kogi State has claimed the lives of 19 individuals, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The fatal collision, involving a Toyota Hummer bus and two articulated vehicles, occurred as the bus was reportedly attempting to overtake at high speed.

Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kumar Tsukwam, confirmed the incident during a press briefing in Lokoja, stating that the crash involved 27 passengers in total. Of those, only eight survived, sustaining various injuries ranging from fractures and burns to cuts and dislocations.

“It was a head-on collision when the bus, speeding, attempted to overtake an articulated vehicle and collided with another oncoming articulated vehicle,” Tsukwam explained.

FRSC personnel, in collaboration with police officers, swiftly responded to the scene. The eight injured survivors were transported to Fisayo Hospital in Obajana for urgent medical treatment.

The FRSC has attributed the crash to reckless overtaking and excessive speeding, calling on all road users to exercise greater caution. “Highways are not race roads. Motorists must avoid speeding and overtaking recklessly to reduce road traffic crashes and carnage,” Tsukwam warned.

In response to the tragedy, Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo expressed deep sorrow and extended his condolences to the victims' families. In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, Governor Ododo described the crash as a heartbreaking event.

“This tragedy is a significant blow, and our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved families during this difficult time,” the governor said.

The state government has pledged to enhance road safety awareness and strengthen collaboration with transport unions to curb similar occurrences in the future. (ILKHA)