Kano State was rocked by tragedy on Friday as a series of catastrophic events led to significant loss of life and numerous injuries.
According to VANGUARD, in Imawa town, located within the Kura Local Government Area along the Zaria-Kano highway, a truck accident resulted in the deaths of at least 14 worshipers who were returning from Juma’at prayers.
The Kano Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ibrahim Abdullahi, confirmed the incident, revealing the details of the accident.
“The tragic road traffic crash was reported at 1350hrs. According to preliminary reports, a truck bearing registration number MKA 537 XN lost control and collided with pedestrians who had just concluded Friday prayers. This unfortunate collision resulted in the tragic loss of fourteen lives and left several others injured,” Abdullahi stated.
Upon receiving the distress call, the FRSC, alongside other security agencies, promptly dispatched personnel to the scene to conduct rescue operations and provide medical assistance.
Abdullahi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the Corps’ dedication to road safety. He urged all road users to adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent such tragic incidents.
Meanwhile, in a separate and equally devastating incident in Dorayi Babba, Gwale Local Government Area, a building under construction collapsed, resulting in multiple fatalities.
Among the deceased were the building’s owner, his child, and several construction workers. Additionally, eight individuals, including passersby who had sought shelter from the morning rain, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital.
Local sources reported that the collapse occurred during heavy rainfall, which may have contributed to the structural failure. Emergency responders swiftly transported the injured to the hospital for urgent care.
These twin tragedies have cast a pall over Kano State, with the community mourning the loss of life and calling for heightened safety measures. The incidents highlight the urgent need for rigorous enforcement of safety standards both on the roads and at construction sites to prevent future disasters.
The state government has expressed its condolences to the affected families and has pledged to conduct thorough investigations into both incidents.