27 dead as trailer plunges into river

No fewer that 27 people were reported dead, while 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries following an accident involving an articulated vehicle.

The accident, which occurred along Ruwa Wuri-Tangaza road, Monday, also claimed the lives of a number of cows and sheep.

Eyewitnesses said the driver of the trailer, with plate number Sokoto XA 443 SAA, which was heading to Warri, in Delta State from Mano village, allegedly lost control and plunged into a river close to Masallaci village in Tangaza Local Government.

Vanguard gathered that the victims, who had been buried in Bagida village, were from Bagida, Sabiyo, Tinnigere, Ruwa Wuri and Tsoni villages, all in the local government.

Confirming the incident, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC, Sokoto, Dr. Umaru Aliyu, said: “Our findings revealed that the accident occurred due to over-loading and over-speeding,” adding that the trailer was conveying both cows and humans.

He said: “27 people died, while 15 were injured. Those injured are receiving treatment at Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, UDUTH, Sokoto, while the driver of the trailer and his motor boy fled.”

Source:Vanguard