A festive pilgrimage turned into a horrific tragedy on Monday, September 16, as 36 Muslim worshippers lost their lives in a deadly road accident in Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The victims were en route to Saminaka to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, a religious holiday commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.
Picture illustrationHowever, their journey came to a devastating halt when their overcrowded bus collided head-on with a truck near the town of Lere.
According to reports, 71 people were crammed into the bus at the time of the collision.
Ahmad Dayyabu, the event organizer, informed newsmen that the passengers had departed from Kwandare before the fatal accident occurred.
The Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency initially confirmed 36 fatalities, but Dayyabu later updated the death toll to 40.
Additionally, 31 survivors are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital for various injuries sustained during the crash.
The tragic accident unfolded on a day meant for celebration, as the government had declared a public holiday for Eid-el-Maulud.
This latest incident further underscores Nigeria’s ongoing road safety crisis, where accidents involving overcrowded vehicles, poorly maintained roads, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws remain a critical concern.
As the nation mourns this devastating loss, calls for improved road safety measures have intensified, with citizens and officials urging for stricter regulations to prevent future tragedies.
