Fatal bus crash claims lives of 20 athletes in Nigeria

At least 20 athletes from the Kano contingent have lost their lives in a tragic bus accident that occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge, located in the Kura Local Government Area of Nigeria’s Kano State.

The athletes were reportedly on their way back from the recently concluded National Sports Festival in Abeokuta, Ogun State, when the accident happened, Caliber.Az reports per Nigerian media. 

Confirming the incident, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Fagge, said the crash occurred on May 31 and left many others injured. He stated that the bus, which was transporting 30 athletes, plunged off the bridge, resulting in the death of 20 passengers.

“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge said. Ado Salisu, a former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), also confirmed the incident and mentioned that victims were still being transported to the Kura General Hospital.

When reached for comment, Abdullahi Labaran, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, acknowledged the accident. “We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” he added.

By Naila Huseynova