FRSC confirms multiple fatalities after coal-laden trailer loses control and crashes into a roadside motor park on the Abuja–Lokoja corridor.
Abuja, Nigeria — At least 12 persons have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident involving a speeding heavy-duty truck along the Abuja–Lokoja corridor in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The fatal crash occurred on Sunday at the Yangoji–Abaji axis when a coal-laden trailer reportedly lost control while descending the highway and rammed into several parked vehicles at a roadside motor park.
Eyewitnesses said the truck was moving at high speed before crashing into the vehicles, triggering instant deaths and leaving others critically injured.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that 12 people died on the spot, while three others sustained injuries and were rushed to Abaji General Hospital for medical attention.
According to FRSC officials, a total of 18 persons were involved in the accident, including men, women, and children. Emergency responders arrived shortly after receiving a distress call and carried out rescue and evacuation operations.
The accident involved:
- One Volvo trailer truck carrying coal
- One Ford Sharon bus
- Two Volkswagen Golf cars
The impact left the vehicles badly mangled, while traffic along the busy corridor was temporarily disrupted.
Preliminary investigations by road safety authorities attributed the crash to excessive speeding and loss of control by the truck driver. The Motor Traffic Division (MTD) of the Nigeria Police, Kwali Division, has taken over further investigation.
FRSC officials expressed condolences to families of the victims and warned motorists, particularly drivers of articulated vehicles, to adhere strictly to speed limits and road safety regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the recurring accidents involving heavy-duty trucks on major Abuja highways, especially the Abuja–Lokoja road, which serves as a major link between the FCT and several southern states.
Authorities have urged commuters to remain vigilant and avoid parking at unsafe roadside locations.
