In response to the concerning trend of trailers transporting passengers alongside goods, Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Dauda Ali Biu, has mandated Sector Commanders to bolster enforcement and advocacy initiatives nationwide. This directive comes in the wake of a regrettable road traffic accident on the Abuja-Kaduna expressway on March 18, 2024.
Addressing the incident, Corps Public Education Officer at FRSC Headquarters in Abuja, Assistant Corps Marshal Jonas Agwu, conveyed the Corps Marshal’s firm stance against the hazardous practice. The accident, involving a DAF Trailer, was attributed to factors such as excessive speed, overloading, and driver fatigue, resulting in the loss of control and subsequent collision into a roadside ditch.
According to reports, the crash occurred at precisely 10:30 AM, involving 172 male adult passengers. Tragically, 10 individuals lost their lives, while 48 sustained varying degrees of injuries and were promptly rescued. Recognizing the urgency to curb such perilous behaviors, the Corps Marshal has instructed Commanding Officers to initiate immediate and effective patrol operations, along with the organization of Mobile Court proceedings along critical corridors.
Presently, FRSC rescue teams have successfully evacuated the injured victims to Saint Anthony and Umaru Musa Yar Adua hospitals, while the deceased passengers have been transferred to the morgues of the aforementioned medical facilities. FRSC operatives remain dedicated to monitoring and ensuring that the injured receive the necessary medical attention.
The Federal Road Safety Corps reaffirms its commitment to road safety and urges all stakeholders to collaborate in preventing avoidable tragedies on our roads.
