15 die, five injured in Kogi auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kogi State Command has confirmed the death of 15 persons, while five others were injured in an auto crash that occurred on Lokoja-Abuja road.   The Guardian learnt that the crash, which occurred at about 7:30a.m. on Tuesday, followed a head-on collision between a J-5 Boxer bus and a Petroleum tanker, at Koton-Karfe axis of Lokoja-Abuja expressway.

Kogi FRSC Sector Commander, Corps Commander (CC), Stephen Dawulung, who confirmed the incident, said the injured victims were rushed to Ideal Hospital at Koton-Karfe for immediate medical attention.

Dawulung also said the remains of the deceased victims have been deposited at the Morgue of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Lokoja.
He attributed the cause of the crash to violation of traffic rules by the bus driver, who was allegedly driving against traffic while heading to Abuja from Lokoja.

“The bus driver left his lane and was driving in the opposite direction on high speed only to have a head on collision with an on coming petroleum tanker.

“Thank God the tanker which was laden with Petroleum product did not go up in flames, which could have been more devastating and worrisome.
“The unfortunate thing is that the bus was carrying iron cramps with 17 passengers, 15 of which were terribly squeezed and choked to death during the collision.

“It’s sad for the prevalent violation of traffic rules and regulations by motorists and commuters. Vehicles meant for goods should strictly carry only goods and not passengers as in this unfortunate case,” Dawulung said.

The FRSC Commander, however, commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to always adhere strictly to traffic rules and regulations to avoid unwarranted auto crash.

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