The Jigawa State Police Command has confirmed the death of four passengers following a fire outbreak inside their vehicle, while ten others sustained injuries.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday night.
He stated that the incident occurred near Unity Girls’ Secondary School in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
According to SP Lawan, “At about 4:00 PM on Saturday, a Hummer bus carrying 44 passengers caught fire while traveling from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Rabadi village in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.”
The statement further explained that the fire started from a mattress tied to the back of the bus, resulting in the death of four individuals, while ten others were rushed to the hospital due to injuries. However, the remaining passengers escaped unhurt.
The deceased passengers’ bodies have since been handed over to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites after doctors confirmed their deaths.
In response to the incident, the police command urged commercial vehicle operators to avoid overloading passengers and goods beyond the permitted limit.
It also advised drivers to adhere to speed limits and regularly check their vehicle brakes and tires to prevent such tragedies.
