The death toll from a tragic road accident in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has risen to 40.
The accident, which took place around 1 pm on Sunday, involved mostly children who were traveling to celebrate Eid El-Maulud, a festival marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The crash occurred when their bus, reportedly overloaded and speeding, lost control and collided with an articulated vehicle.
Initially, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander, Kabiru Nadabo, confirmed that 25 people had died from the crash, with 48 others sustaining injuries. Those injured were rushed to hospitals in Kaduna, Jos, and Kano for urgent treatment.
Sadly, by Tuesday, the number of fatalities increased as more victims succumbed to their injuries while receiving medical care.
In response to the tragedy, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani directed the state commissioner of health to ensure that all surviving children receive adequate medical treatment. In a statement, the governor expressed his deep sorrow over the incident and pledged to support the families of the deceased.
The remains of the victims have been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial rites in the Lere Local Government Area.
