The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 21 people following a fatal head-on collision involving a heavy-duty truck and a commercial passenger bus along the Zaria-Kano Expressway.

In a statement on Sunday, signed by the Corps Public Education Officer, Olusegun Ogungbemide, the FRSC said the accident occurred at about 8:20 a.m. at Kasuwar Dogo, Dakatsale, and blamed the crash on a “route violation” by the bus driver.

According to the statement, the tragic incident involved “a heavy-duty DAF truck and a commercial Toyota Hiace passenger bus.”

“Preliminary investigations by FRSC rescue and crash investigation team revealed that the crash was caused by route violation on the part of the commercial Toyota Hiace Bus driver, who contravened established traffic regulations and drove against traffic flow, resulting in a fatal head-on collision with the oncoming truck,” the statement said.

The Corps added that 24 people were involved in the crash, with only three surviving with injuries.

“Regrettably, out of the 24 people involved in the crash, a total of 21 persons, comprising 19 male adults and 2 female adults, were killed in the crash, while the remaining 3 were rescued with injuries,” the statement noted.

As of the time of the report, the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Nasarawa Hospital in Kano, the FRSC said, while rescue efforts ensured the road was cleared and traffic restored.

“The remains of the victims have been deposited at Nasarawa hospital in Kano, while FRSC rescue teams worked with other emergency responders to clear the road and restore normal traffic flow,” Ogungbemide said.

Reacting to the tragedy, the Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, offered condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public of ongoing investigations.

The agency also used the occasion to issue another strong warning to commercial and truck drivers against reckless road use.

“The Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps, Shehu Mohammed, expresses heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that full investigations are ongoing into the full cause of the crash.

“The FRSC once again warns all motorists, especially truck and commercial drivers, to desist from dangerous practices such as route violations, driving against traffic, speeding, and reckless overtaking, which continue to claim innocent lives on Nigerian roads.

“Drivers are reminded that road traffic regulations are in place to protect lives and properties, and strict adherence remains the only guarantee for safety,” the statement added.

The Corps said it would intensify enforcement operations and public education across the country, while calling on commuters and the motoring public to report dangerous driving behaviours through the FRSC Mobile Application, or to call the FRSC toll-free number 122, or report to any FRSC patrol team.