A tragic road accident at the Bwari roundabout in the Federal Capital Territory has left two people dead and 22 others injured after a container truck lost control and crashed. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 13, as the vehicle was navigating the roundabout on its way to Kaduna.
Driver Fled the Scene Immediately
The truck, which was carrying bags of oranges and ginger along with 35 passengers, lost control while approaching the roundabout. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the driver abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene right after the container detached and rolled onto the road. Witnesses reported that the truck's cab remained stationary while the container fell across the carriageway.
Victims Rushed to Hospital
The FRSC confirmed that the victims were rushed to Bwari General Hospital, where medical staff pronounced two people dead. The 22 injured passengers remain at the facility receiving treatment. The FRSC Sector Commander for the FCT, Tijjani Ilyasu, stated that all goods transported by the vehicle have been handed over to the Bwari police division for safekeeping.
Residents Blame Roundabout Design
Local residents have raised concerns about the design of the roundabout, claiming it has been the site of numerous similar accidents over the years. Usman Nasiru, a resident of the area, explained that the roundabout sits on a lower surface that becomes almost invisible to approaching drivers, especially those visiting for the first time. He added that the roundabout occupies a substantial portion of the road, leaving the carriageway dangerously narrow. “There is a need to redesign the roundabout in order to save innocent lives,” Nasiru stated.
Investigation Underway
The FRSC sector commander confirmed that an investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing. Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution when approaching the Bwari junction. The truck had begun its journey from Lafia in Nasarawa State and was traveling through the Bwari-Jere corridor when the incident took place.
Recent Spate of Road Accidents
This accident comes amid a series of deadly road crashes in Nigeria. In a separate incident, at least 19 people died within 24 hours in Gombe and Plateau states, raising concerns over speeding and reckless driving on major highways. In Gombe State, nine people died following a collision involving a trailer and a Sharon bus on the Kaltungo Cham road. Additionally, a pre-dawn crash on the Lagos/Ibadan expressway claimed the lives of a father, mother, and their young child in a multi-vehicle collision near the Otedola Bridge corridor.
