No fewer than 18 persons, including children, have been confirmed dead in a fatal road traffic crash along the Dutse–Kwanar Babaldu highway in Jigawa State.

The accident, which occurred on Wednesday, involved three vehicles and left several others injured, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Confirming the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Jigawa, Mr Umar Matazu, told the Source that the crash was caused by a tyre burst on a Volkswagen vehicle conveying passengers.

Matazu said the tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with another vehicle coming from the opposite direction.

He explained that moments after the initial impact, a truck rammed into the two vehicles, crushing them and leading to heavy casualties.

“A fatal accident occurred along the Dutse to Kwanar Babaldu road involving three vehicles,” the sector commander said.

“A Volkswagen carrying passengers had a tyre burst and lost control, colliding with another vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. Unfortunately, a truck then ran into the two vehicles and crushed them.”

Matazu disclosed that preliminary reports confirmed that 18 persons lost their lives in the crash.

“So far, 18 people have been confirmed dead. The victims include male and female adults as well as children,” he added.

He said personnel of the FRSC, other emergency responders and security agencies were immediately deployed to the scene of the accident to rescue survivors and clear the highway for vehicular movement.

According to him, those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were evacuated to appropriate facilities.

The sector commander urged motorists to always ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on any journey, stressing the need for regular checks on tyres and other vital vehicle components.

“Drivers must regularly inspect their tyres and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles. Many of these accidents are avoidable if road users exercise caution and comply with traffic regulations,” Matazu advised.

He also cautioned motorists against speeding and reckless driving, noting that excessive speed remained a major contributor to road traffic crashes across the country.

Matazu said the FRSC had commenced a full investigation into the incident to determine other possible contributing factors.

The tragic incident adds to the growing number of fatal road accidents recorded in recent times, raising renewed concerns over road safety and compliance with traffic laws in Nigeria.