What should have been a triumphant return from the 22nd National Sports Festival ended in heartbreak as no fewer than 20 athletes from the Kano State contingent lost their lives in a fatal auto crash early Saturday morning.
The tragic accident occurred around 8:50 a.m. at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, just 30 minutes from Kano metropolis. The victims were returning from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where the festival had just concluded.
Eyewitnesses reported that the long bus conveying the athletes plunged off the infamous Dakatsalle bridge, a location known for frequent accidents. The ill-fated vehicle had travelled overnight across several states, heading back to Kano.
According to officials, 30 persons were onboard, mostly young athletes and officials. 20 have been confirmed dead, while others were rushed to Kura General Hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
The Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, confirmed the incident.
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“As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies. It’s a dark day for Kano sports,” he told reporters.
Former SWAN Vice President Ado Salisu also confirmed that the injured were being treated at Kura General Hospital, where emergency teams are working around the clock.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is yet to release an official statement over the tragic incident.