12 Killed, Three Injured as Truck Ploughs Into Pedestrians on Abuja–Lokoja Highway

12 Killed, Three Injured as Truck Ploughs Into Pedestrians on Abuja–Lokoja Highway

At least 12 people were killed and three others injured on Sunday after a speeding truck veered off the road and crashed into pedestrians at Gada-Biyu village along the Abuja–Lokoja highway.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the fatal crash through the FCT Sector Commander, Mr Felix Theman, who said the incident occurred at about 11:47 a.m.

According to Theman, the accident involved a coal-laden truck, an 18-seater Sharon bus, and two Volkswagen Golf cars. The truck, travelling at high speed from the Lokoja axis, reportedly lost control, left the roadway and rammed into bystanders standing by the roadside.

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He said 12 victims died on the spot, comprising four adult males, two adult females, four male children and two female children. Some of the victims, he added, were residents of Gada-Biyu waiting to board vehicles.

Three other persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to Abaji General Hospital for medical treatment.

The FRSC sector commander disclosed that the truck driver and his conductor fled the scene immediately after the crash, allegedly to avoid mob action.

He said the remains of the deceased had been released to their families for burial in Gada-Biyu.

Theman attributed the crash to excessive speed, loss of control, and dangerous driving, noting that investigations were ongoing.

He further revealed that the FRSC would engage the management of the transport company involved, adding that the incident was the second crash linked to the same truck on the Abuja–Lokoja road.

As part of immediate safety measures, Theman said the FRSC had directed its Yangoji Unit Command to relocate motorists who stop by the roadside at Gada-Biyu to safer designated areas to prevent future tragedies.

12 Killed, Three Injured as Truck Ploughs Into Pedestrians on Abuja–Lokoja Highway