Two persons have been killed in a road crash involving a fully loaded tipper truck and a Mercedes-Benz C180 at Dangi Underpass along the Kano-Zaria Road in Kano State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kano Sector Command, confirmed the fatalities in a statement issued on Tuesday night through its Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran, saying the crash occurred at about 5:50pm.
According to the statement, four adult males were involved in the accident, with two confirmed dead following the collision between the truck carrying bitumen and the Mercedes-Benz.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the crash involved a Howo tipper truck with registration number RMG 332 XA, fully loaded with bitumen, and a Mercedes-Benz C180 with registration number ABJ 783 GB. A total of four male adults were involved in the crash, with two persons confirmed dead,” the statement said.
The FRSC attributed the crash to suspected brake failure in the heavily loaded tipper truck, which allegedly caused the driver to lose control.
The statement explained that the truck slid backwards and collided with the vehicle behind it, resulting in the fatal incident.
Rescue personnel from the FRSC and other emergency responders were said to have rushed to the scene and evacuated the victims to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
The command did not disclose the identities of the deceased or provide further details about the conditions of the other two people involved in the crash.
Reacting to the incident, the Kano Sector Commander, Corps Commander Idris Lawal, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also urged the bereaved families to find the strength to bear the loss.
Lawal used the incident to warn motorists, transport unions, construction companies and other fleet operators against neglecting routine vehicle maintenance, particularly the inspection and servicing of critical components such as braking systems and tyres.
He stressed that mechanical defects in heavily loaded vehicles could pose serious risks to other road users, especially when drivers lose control on busy roads.
The sector commander also called on motorists to adopt defensive driving practices, maintain safe following distances and remain alert to changing road conditions.
He urged drivers to ensure their vehicles were mechanically sound before embarking on journeys, warning that neglecting basic safety precautions could lead to avoidable deaths and injuries.
The FRSC reiterated the importance of regular vehicle inspections, responsible driving and strict compliance with road safety regulations, particularly among operators of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles.
The crash adds to road safety concerns surrounding the operation of heavily loaded trucks, whose mechanical condition and handling can have serious consequences for other motorists when accidents occur.
West Trybe reports that the deaths at Dangi Underpass underscore the risks posed by suspected mechanical failures on major highways and the need for transport operators to prioritise vehicle maintenance, while effective enforcement of roadworthiness standards remains critical to preventing similar tragedies.
