A wave of grief has enveloped Kano State following a fatal road crash involving athletes returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The tragic incident occurred at Dakatsalle Bridge, roughly 50 kilometres from Kano, after the delegation had passed through Kaduna State.
Eyewitness reports and a widely circulated video from the scene show the bus, a Coaster, veering off the bridge before crashing, leading to the devastating loss of lives.
Umar Bala Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the incident and revealed that the vehicle was transporting about 30 athletes when the accident occurred.
“Yes, it’s true. The Coaster bus was conveying about 30 athletes when the accident happened,” Fagge told reporters.
Although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, multiple sources fear that as many as 19 athletes may have died in the crash. Rescue and recovery operations were still ongoing as of the time of this report, with emergency responders working to provide aid and determine the full extent of the tragedy.
The heartbreaking event has sparked widespread mourning across the sports community and among families of the victims. Further updates are expected as authorities continue investigations and efforts to support survivors and the bereaved.
