No fewer than 12 people lost their lives in a fatal road traffic crash that occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Yangoji–Abuja (YGJ–ABJ) route at Kwaita, within the Federal Capital Territory.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), FCT Sector Command, confirmed that the crash happened at about 3:16 a.m. and involved a single commercial trailer (Sinotruk/Howo, ash colour) with registration number GZW 591 XA.
According to the FRSC, the incident was reported at 3:19 a.m., and rescue operatives arrived at the scene by 3:26 a.m., recording a response time of seven minutes.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was lone in nature and was likely caused by a combination of speed limit violation, loss of control, and driver fatigue, especially considering the early morning hour when alertness is typically low.
The crash resulted in severe fatal injuries, including cuts, bruises, and fractures.
While 18 persons sustained varying degrees of injury, 12 adult males were confirmed dead, with all bodies recovered as of the time of this report.
The injured victims were immediately evacuated to Kwaita Clinic, Rhema Hospital, and Gwagwalada for urgent medical care.
No personal belongings were recovered at the scene, and the identities of the driver and occupants were yet to be ascertained. The rescue and recovery operation was jointly carried out by the FRSC and officers of the Motor Traffic Department (MTD), Kwali Police Division. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash are ongoing.
Reacting to the incident, the FCT Sector Commander, Corps Commander Felix Theman, expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and strongly condemned the illegal practice of mixed loading, where passengers are transported alongside goods in trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles.
He described the practice as reckless, unlawful, and life-threatening, noting that it significantly increases the severity of injuries and fatalities during crashes. He warned that the Corps would intensify nationwide enforcement against mixed loading, stressing that offenders would be arrested, prosecuted, and sanctioned in line with existing traffic regulations.
The Sector Commander also urged fleet operators and transport companies to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure drivers comply strictly with loading and safety regulations.
The FRSC has repeatedly warned that speeding, fatigue, and unsafe loading practices remain leading contributors to fatal road crashes in Nigeria, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles operating at night.
