FCT Accident: Truck Crushes Three Vehicles at Roadside Park, 12 Dead

Twelve people have died following a multiple-vehicle collision on the Yangoji–Abaji corridor in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed on Sunday.

According to FRSC FCT Sector Commander, Mr. Felix Theman, a truck owned by African Natural Resources and Mines Ltd, transporting coal from Gujeni in Kaduna State, lost control and collided with an illegal roadside motor park. The crash involved three other vehicles: two Volkswagen Golfs (GWA 162 KZ and ABJ 111 NW), a Ford Sharon bus (AFN 325 YL), and a Volvo Randon trailer (ANC 665 XA).

The accident occurred around 11:45 a.m. at Gada Biyu, with the first distress call received at 11:47 a.m. FRSC patrol units from Zebra 6, Yangoji, arrived at the scene within seven minutes.

Preliminary investigations indicate that excessive speed and loss of vehicle control caused the chain collision. Eighteen people were involved, including eight adult males, four adult females, two male children, and four female children. The casualties included 12 fatalities—four adult males, two adult females, and six children. Three people sustained injuries and were taken to Abaji General Hospital, while three others escaped unhurt.

FRSC personnel provided first aid, secured the scene, and recovered personal belongings from the vehicles. The Motor Traffic Division of the Nigerian Police, Kwali Division, has taken over the investigation to determine further causes.

Commander Theman urged motorists to avoid speeding, reckless overtaking, and roadside loading in populated areas. He also warned against illegal motor parks, highlighting the dangers they pose to passengers, hawkers, and pedestrians.

He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to those injured.