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Tag: FRSC

  • Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 23 as 2 more victims die – FRSC

    Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 23 as 2 more victims die – FRSC

    Death toll from the tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen from 21 to 23 as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

    The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, told the NAN in Enugu on Tuesday that an additional two female victims died recently while in hospital admission.

    Recall that the incident, which happened on Jan. 25, at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded, left 11 road users dead before emergency responders came to the scene.

    The deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service extinguished the inferno while the injured were taken to hospitals within Enugu for treatment.

    The death toll rose to 18 person after a day of the accident and 21 after four days and now 23 persons.

    Agbakoba said that the additional two victims – one being admitted at the UNTH Ituku-Ozalla and another being admitted at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu – could not make it after battling to live for about a week.

    According to him, out of the five admitted in UNTH six days ago, one died at the end of the month and one female still admitted now.

    “The remaining three patients in UNTH who are of the same family, secured discharge even against medical advice, relocated from the teaching hospital to seek traditional medical treatment for their injuries at home,” he said.

    For the five victims of the accident admitted in ESUTH Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu, six days ago, Agbakoba said that three of the female victims are still on admission at the hospital.

    “Two of the admitted patients in ESUTH Teaching Hospital have been referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu due to fire burn wounds,” he said.

    He said that for the three victims admitted at the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu six days ago, one died recently and the remaining two surviving had been joined by one victim on referral from ESUTH Teaching Hospital.

    “However, one of the two patients involved in the accident referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu from ESUTH Teaching Hospital, left and did not report to where he was recently refered to,” he said.

    Agbakoba, who is also a Corps Commander, had earlier disclosed that the incident involved 44 people as well as 16 vehicles, both commercial and private and a commercial tricycle.

    He said that 23 persons, which included eight males and 15 females, were injured in the accident and rushed to three major government hospitals in Enugu namely: UNTH Ituku-Ozalla; ESUTH Teaching Hospital and National Orthopedic Hospital.

  • Tragic as 30 die in Ondo road crash

    Tragic as 30 die in Ondo road crash

    At least 30 people have lost their lives in an accident at the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway in the Onipetesi community, located within the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State, on Saturday evening.

    TheNewsGuru reports that the victims were burnt beyond recognition following a head-on collision between two buses

    The Ondo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the unfortunate incident, stating that initial investigations indicated that one of the vehicles was travelling against the traffic flow.

    The FRSC commander urged all motorists to exercise caution while driving on the expressway and to follow traffic rules and regulations strictly.

    He said, “Thirty people lost their lives in the accident. Twenty-eight persons were burnt beyond recognition, while two initially survived but later died on their way to the hospital.”

    According to Punch, an eyewitness reported that the accident occurred when two commercial buses collided and caught fire, leaving no survivors.

    “We were nearby when we heard a very loud sound. On reaching the scene, we saw two vehicles that had collided, already burning, while some people inside were struggling to escape.

    “Shortly after, FRSC officers arrived at the scene and rushed the only two survivors to the hospital. However, we later learnt that they also died,” the eyewitness said.

  • Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 18

    Enugu tanker explosion: Death toll rises to 18

    The death toll in the tanker explosion on Ugwu-Onyeama axis of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway has risen from 11 to 18 people as confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Sunday.

    The Sector Commander of the FRSC, Enugu State Command, Mr Franklin Agbakoba, confirmed the rise in the death toll to NAN on Sunday.

    Recall that the incident, which happened on Saturday at about 11:30 a.m. when a fuel-laden tanker had a brake failure, fell and exploded leaving 11 commuters dead.

    NAN reports that the deceased were evacuated by the FRSC officers after officials of the Enugu State Fire Service extinguished the inferno while the injured were taken to hospitals in Enugu for treatment.

    The sector commander said the additional seven deceased were victims of the accident, who were rushed to nearby hospitals, but could not make it.

    Agbakoba disclosed that 11 vehicles and not eight as earlier mentioned  were burnt in the unfortunate incident.

    They included one fuel tanker, one water tanker and 15 other vehicles as well as one tricycle, popularly known as “Keke”.

    “Currently, the death toll from the unfortunate accident is 18 persons and we continue to pray for their souls to have eternal rest.

    “However, three persons were not injured but profiled; and they have since rejoined their families and friends,” he said.

    Agbakoba lauded Gov. Peter Mbah, the state Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, the Police, the Enugu State Fire Service and health officials among others that came to render help and rescue at the scene.

    The sector commander said that traffic had been diverted to the inward Enugu lane of the ever busy Enugu-Onitsha Expressway.

    “For now, we have commenced evacuation of burnt vehicles in the scene of the accident along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway in anticipation of re-opening the section of the road,” he said.

    NAN recalls that Gov. Mbah, who was at the scene of the accident for on-the-spot assessment on Saturday, said the government would ensure that the victims received full and free medical attention.

    The governor also revealed that the government would take steps to forestall future occurrences, including enforcement of road rules and fixing the part of the federal road that was in disrepair.

    Mbah commiserated with the families of the victims, describing the accident as “unfortunate”.

    He directed Agbakoba and the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Obi Ozor, to ensure that tankers conveying inflammable substances have anti-spill lock that would prevent spill in case of accidents.

  • SAD: 15 die in multiple accidents in Kwara – FRSC

    SAD: 15 die in multiple accidents in Kwara – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 15 people have died in multiple motor accidents along Olooru/Oko-olowo Road in Ilorin, Kwara, on Wednesday.

    Mr Muftau Irekeola, Kwara Sector Commander, FRSC, who confirmed this on Thursday in Ilorin, said that two commercial vehicles were involved in the accident which claimed 15 lives, while three people were uninjured.

    “On January 22, at about 16:15 hours, we got a call that there was an accident along Olooru/Oko-olowo Road around 16:00 hours and immediately went to the scene.

    “We got there at 16:25 hours and discovered that it was a multiple crash that involved two commercial vehicles; a J7 and Toyota, with registration numbers AYE218XC and TTN556XA respectively.

    “A total number of 18 people were involved in the auto crash, in which 15 died on the spot and three others were uninjured,” Irekeola explained.

    The sector commander said that investigations revealed that the accident was as a result of speeding and wrongful overtaking, which made the drivers hit an obstruction on the road.

    He, however, said that the bodies recovered from the scene had been released to the families, while efforts are still ongoing to clear the obstruction.

  • 108 persons killed in road traffic accidents in Gombe – FRSC

    108 persons killed in road traffic accidents in Gombe – FRSC

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Gombe State Command, says no fewer than 108 persons were killed in 328 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) that occurred across the state in 2024.

    The state Sector Commander of the corps, Mr Samson Kaura, disclosed this on Monday, in Akko, the command headquarters while briefing newsmen.

    Kaura said that 1,078 persons were injured in the auto crashes within the period under review.

    He added that there was decrease in number of crashes in 2024 compared with that of 2023.

    According to him, in 2023, we recorded 351 road traffic crashes while in 2024, we recorded 328.

    ”The command was also able to reduce deaths from auto crashes within the year under review through collaboration with relevant ministries and agencies in the state.”

    The sector commander also said that 2, 196 persons were involved the crashes within the period under review, with 1, 078 persons injured, and 1,010 unhurt.

    He said that in 2023, 2, 588 persons were involved in various RTCs across the state, with 1,308 of them sustaining varying degrees of injuries while 1,161 were recorded unhurt.

    Kaura also disclosed that 471 vehicles were involved the crashes within the period under review, against 515 recorded in 2023.

    He explained that the command recorded a 6.6 per cent reduction in RTCs in 2024, compared to 2023.

    He said that the major causes of crash in 2024 were speed, overloading, loss of control and wrongful overtaking, adding that the corps had stepped up efforts towards sensitising motorists in the state against these menace.

    He said that the measures taken in 2024 had yielded positive results in terms of the reduction in the number of crashes and people killed.

    ”Therefore we will strengthen our collaborations with critical stakeholders towards sensitising more road users in the state as well as improving on enforcement of traffic rules,” he said.

    The sector commander advised road users to cooperate with FRSC personnel in 2025 towards ensuring safety of lives and property of road users in the state.

  • Death toll rises in Niger petrol tanker fire incident

    Death toll rises in Niger petrol tanker fire incident

    Contrary to the casualty figures earlier released by the Federal Road Safety Commander (FRSC), the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has disclosed that over 73 lives were lost to the petrol tanker fire incident that happened in Niger State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the horrific petrol tanker fire incident occurred on Saturday morning at Dikko Junction, Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, Niger State, after the truck loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, lost control and eventually caught fire.

    The loaded petrol tanker fell at the scene of the incident with people scooping the spilling fuel, unaware of the impending danger. Those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames just as those who went to rescue them were also affected.

    Giving an update on the incident the FRSC Command in Niger had said no fewer than 50 persons lost their lives. However, the NPF has confirmed that over 73 lives were lost and that numerous others were injured, with the destruction of several shops and property.

    TNG reports ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, confirmed this in a statement conveying a message by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun to the government and people of Niger, following the tragic incident.

    “The IGP, while emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols on our roads, warns firmly against the negligence and disregard for regulations that can lead to such catastrophic incidents,” the statement reads.

    The statement also disclosed that the IGP has as a result of the incident directed all State Commissioners of Police to strengthen their Motor Traffic Divisions (MTDs) of their respective State Commands, in collaboration with other traffic management agencies, to ensure strict compliance and enforcement of established protocols and traffic regulations on highways.

    “The IGP further charged vehicle owners and drivers to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and abide by the traffic rules in order to prevent any tragedies.

    “The IGP, while praying for the souls of the departed, therefore calls on all stakeholders, including transport operators and the general public, to prioritize safety and responsibility in their operations and actions, ensuring that such ugly incidents do not occur in the future,” the statement added.

  • Tanker explosion: Sorrow as FRSC reveals casualty figures of Niger petrol fire

    Tanker explosion: Sorrow as FRSC reveals casualty figures of Niger petrol fire

    No fewer than 50 persons lost their lives in a petrol tanker explosion on Saturday. The incident happened on the Dikko-Maje road opposite Badeggi fuelling station in Suleja Local Government Area of Niger.

    Mr Kumar Tsukwam, Federal Road Safety Commander (FRSC) in Niger, confirmed this in Minna and revealed a loaded petrol tanker fell at the scene of the incident with people scooping the spilling fuel, unaware of the impending danger.

    Tsukwam said those who went to scoop fuel were engulfed by the flames just as those who went to rescue them were also affected. He said more than 50 people lost their lives in the tragic incident.

    Tsukwam, however, gave an assurance that personnel of the corps and other sister agencies were on ground for the rescue mission. Tsukwam confirmed that his men were on the scene, working tirelessly to rescue those trapped.

    Similarly, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), said the explosion occurred at about 9.am on Saturday.

    He said the incident happened when a tanker loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) crashed, and an attempt was made to transfer its contents to another tanker.

    In the process, the PMS came into contact with a generator used to effect the transfer, triggering an explosion that claimed more than 50 lives. He added that many other persons were injured, while properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed.

    Baba-Arah said NSEMA, in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Suleja LGA Emergency Committee and volunteers, were carrying out search, rescue and recovery operations.

    He said the injured have been moved to the hospital for treatment while efforts eere being made to recover the corpses of the deceased. More details are expected as the response operation is still ongoing.

    He urged residents of the area to remain calm and cooperate with emergency responders as they work to mitigate the effects of the disaster.

    NGF mourns tanker explosion victims

    Meanwhile, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Saturday expressed sorrow over the victims of the tragic tanker explosion at Dikko Junction along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway in Niger State.

    In a statement issued by its Chairman, Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, the forum described the explosion, which claimed over 50 lives and left many others injured, as a heartbreaking tragedy.

    AbdulRazaq stated that the incident had cast a shadow of grief over the entire nation. He called for the urgent enforcement of safety measures, particularly concerning the transportation and handling of combustible materials across Nigeria.

    “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the government and people of Niger State, as well as to the families who have suffered unimaginable loss in this tragedy.

    “Our thoughts and prayers are with those injured, and we wish them a swift and complete recovery,” AbdulRazaq said.

    He added that the NGF was united in calling for stricter enforcement of safety measures across the country, particularly regarding the transportation and handling of hazardous materials.

    “This incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to enhance our regulatory frameworks to prevent such occurrences in the future,” he emphasised.

    AbdulRazaq also commended the swift response of emergency services, first responders, and security agencies in managing the aftermath of the disaster.

    He urged all citizens to remain vigilant and prioritise safety at all times.

    Finally, he prayed for the souls of the departed to rest in peace and for their families to find the strength to endure this time of profound grief.

    Tanker explosion: Bago bans heavy duty trucks from plying one-way route

    Meanwhile, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger has banned heavy-duty trucks from plying one way through Dikko bridge, following a tanker explosion that claimed many lives on Saturday.

    The governor gave the directive during a visit to the scene of the explosion at Dikko junction in Suleja local government area of the state.

    He described the incident as pathetic while expressing sadness over the loss of lives. He, however, expressed relief that it did not extend to adjoining communities in the area.

    Bago decried the recklessness of some drivers just as he directed that vehicles coming from the Maje axis should not pass through Dikko Bridge.

    He said that the vehicles should, instead, follow the route under the bridge and take a U-turn.

    The governor called on the sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to establish a detachment in the area to enforce the directive. He also urged transport unions to cooperate with the FRSC.

    Bago attributed the frequent accidents in the area to the delay in completing the Minna-Suleja road project and called on the federal government to expedite action on the project.

    He commended the state Emergency Management Agency, Fire Service, FRSC and the National Union of Road Transport Workers for their roles in evacuating victims of the explosion.

    He noted that doctors from Minna hospitals would be redeployed to assist in treating the injured victims currently receiving treatment at Suleja General Hospital.

    More than 50 people lost their lives in the Saturday morning incident caused by scooping of fuel from the articulated vehicle.

  • FRSC restores traffic after Lagos tanker fire

    FRSC restores traffic after Lagos tanker fire

    The Lagos State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has successfully managed a crash involving a tanker, which resulted in fire.

    The accident occurred at 1.59 p.m. on Epe-Ijebu (outward Epe) route, specifically around Odo Agboju.

    The Lagos State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Kehinde Hamzat, made  this known in a statement on Wednesday.

    The statement was signed by Elizabeth Jayeola, Lagos Sector Public Education Officer.

    “The crash which involved two male individuals was promptly attended to with an impressive response time.

    “One male sustained injuries and was immediately transported to the General Hospital, Epe, for medical attention. No fatalities were recorded.

    “The white Mark tanker involved in the crash, caught fire, leading to significant traffic congestion as both inward and outward routes of Epe were blocked,” he said.

    He said that FRSC mobilised its personnel in Lagos, adding that  reinforcements from Ogun Sector Command were made to assist in traffic management and ensure  safety of road users.

    “The Lagos State Fire Service worked tirelessly to extinguish the fire, while officers from Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, Neighborhood Watch, and Lagos State Emergency Management Authority provided critical support.

    “The fire has subsided, and traffic flow has been restored on a single lane to ease the gridlock.

    “FRSC officers remain on-site to manage the situation and ensure motorists’ safety,” he said.

    Hamzat commended the swift collaboration of all emergency responders  involved in minimising the impact of the crash.

    He advised motorists to exercise caution while using the Epe-Ijebu route and to follow instructions from traffic managers.

  • FRSC confirms 7 dead in Niger road accident

    FRSC confirms 7 dead in Niger road accident

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed Seven persons  dead in a fatal road crash in Panti along Bida-Mokwa Road in Lavun Local Government Area of Niger State.

    According to the FRSC First Information Report (FIR), Kutigi Command, the crash occurred at about 18:09 hours on Monday at Panti, a location along the Bida-Kutigi road.

    The report stated that two vehicles involved in the crash were, a Toyota Corolla with registration number ANW243AH, and a white Jack truck with an unknown registration number.

    The truck was traveling from Lagos to Abuja, while the Toyota Corolla was heading from Batati to Kutigi (Jipkan).

    The report indicated that a total of nine persons were involved in the crash, comprising of four males and five females.

    Unfortunately, seven people lost their lives in the crash, including two males and five females.

    The FRSC stated that the cause of the crash was attributed to speed, loss of control, and dangerous driving.

    The corpses of the victims were taken to the General Hospital, Kutigi for confirmation and later handed over to their relatives for burial.

    The wreckage of the vehicles were left in the custody of the MTD Kutigi Police Division.

  • SAD: 6 dead, 60 injured in Kogi auto-crash

    SAD: 6 dead, 60 injured in Kogi auto-crash

    An auto crash involving an articulated vehicle in Kogi on Tuesday left six persons dead and 60 persons injured, a Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) official has confirmed.

    Mr Samuel Oyedeji, FRSC Kogi Sector Command, who made the disclosure in Lokoja on Tuesday, attributed the accident to high speed.

    According to Oyedeji, the accident occurred around 3.00pm and I can confirm to you that six persons died, while 60 others got injured in the accident.

    “Our officers in collaboration with the Police and the NSCDC personnel have rushed the injured to the Kogi specialist Hospital and the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for medical attention.

    “The corpse of the six people have also been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital.

    “We learnt the truck from Bauchi was heading to Enugu State before the unfortunate incident that occurred around Zone 8 Roundabout, Lokoja, Kogi, ” Oyedeji said.

    The sector commander decried the notoriety of motorists, especially truck and bus drivers,  on conveying both animals and human beings in their journey.

    According to him, the Corps has been warning and sectioning many offenders yet they refused to heed the warnings.

    Oyedeji, who could not disclose the number of animals affected by the accident, appealed to motorists to endeavour to comply to the rules and regulations of the corps for safety of lives and property.