Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
KANO, Nigeria — Kano State has been plunged into mourning after a devastating road accident early Sunday morning claimed the lives of more than 30 people at Kwanar Barde in Gezawa Local Government Area. The tragic collision involved a heavy-duty trailer that reportedly lost control while travelling along a major highway, leaving scores dead and many others seriously injured.
According to an official statement from the Kano State Government, the trailer was heading towards Gujungu in Jigawa State when it crashed at the Kwanar Barde junction shortly before dawn. Local authorities said preliminary reports suggest reckless driving and loss of vehicle control as probable factors in the deadly incident.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the accident as “heartbreaking” and expressed deep sadness over the scale of loss, which he said extended well beyond the immediate victims to affect families and communities across Kano State. He offered condolences to the bereaved and emphasised the emotional toll on relatives and first responders.
Governor Yusuf’s office confirmed that at least 30 people lost their lives in the crash, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to hospitals across the state for urgent medical care. The governor has ordered free treatment for all survivors and directed the Kano State Ministry of Health to ensure that injured victims receive adequate care without delay.
In his statement, the governor also instructed the Office of the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs to conduct a rapid assessment of casualties and coordinate support mechanisms for affected families. He urged motorists, especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles such as trailers and trucks, to exercise caution, comply strictly with traffic laws and avoid reckless driving practices that endanger lives.
Emergency responders and medical teams were mobilised immediately after the crash, with injured passengers treated at various facilities in Kano State. Local hospital authorities reported a significant influx of casualties, some in critical condition, reflecting the severity of the collision’s impact.
The accident has reignited longstanding concerns over road safety in Nigeria, where poor maintenance, inadequate enforcement of traffic regulations and the mixing of passengers with cargo in heavy-duty vehicles have been cited as recurring contributors to deadly highway mishaps. Officials and transport safety advocates have called for renewed efforts to strengthen road safety enforcement and educate drivers on responsible vehicle operation.
As investigators work to establish a more detailed account of what led to the crash, security and traffic agencies in Kano State have promised to conduct thorough examinations of the scene and gather testimony from survivors, witnesses and transport operators. The outcome of these inquiries is expected to inform measures aimed at preventing similar tragedies in future.
The broader impact of the crash extends beyond the immediate loss of life. Families of the deceased are grappling with sudden bereavement, while injured survivors face uncertain recoveries and long rehabilitation periods. Community leaders and residents have called for collective support for victims’ families, emphasising the need for solidarity in the wake of such a large-scale accident.
This latest tragedy in Kano highlights the persistent challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring road safety and protecting travellers. As investigations continue, authorities and civil society groups alike are likely to renew calls for comprehensive reforms to roadside infrastructure, enforcement practices and public awareness campaigns.
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