₦airaland Forum

A devastating tragedy has struck the Kano State delegation returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival in Ogun State, as no fewer than 22 members of the team have been confirmed dead in a fatal road accident,News360 Nigeria reports.

The incident occurred on Friday night at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, when a vehicle conveying 35 passengers, including athletes, journalists, medical staff, and sports administrators, plunged off a bridge while approaching their destination.

A survivor of the crash, Ado Salisu Gama, speaking from the Kura General Hospital, recounted the horrifying scene.

“Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle Bridge, just before Kura. The driver is also dead. As I speak to you, one more member has just died,” he told News360 Nigeria on Saturday morning.

According to Gama, the injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the Kura General Hospital, while anxious family members and well-wishers have gathered at the facility awaiting news of their loved ones.

The Kano State delegation had reportedly returned home after securing a commendable 29 medals at the festival, making the tragedy an even more painful end to what was meant to be a celebratory journey.

Among those feared dead in the accident are athletes, media personnel covering the games, medical officials, and key team administrators.

As at the time of this report, official statements from the Kano State Government and the National Sports Festival organisers were yet to be issued, while rescue and recovery efforts continue.

plunged off a bridge while approaching their destination