Maulud: Tragedy: Overcrowded bus with Muslims collides with truck, 36 dead

• A festive journey took a tragic turn on Monday when dozens of Muslim worshippers were killed in a fatal road accident in Kaduna state.
• What began as a pilgrimage to celebrate Eid-el-Maulud quickly became a devastating reminder of the dangers on Nigeria’s roads
• Overcrowded vehicles and frequent accidents: Road safety concerns continue to overshadow the country's holiday celebrations.

According to official reports, at least 36 Muslim believers were killed in a road accident in Kaduna state on Monday.

The victims were on their way to Saminaka to take part in Eid-el-Maulud, a religious celebration commemorating the birth of the Prophet Muhammad.

The accident occurred near the town of Lere when an overcrowded bus carrying worshippers collided head-on with an oncoming truck.

Road accident in Kaduna claims 36 lives

Ahmad Dayyabu, the organizer of the event, told the BBC that 71 people were crammed into the bus at the time of the collision.

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Initial reports from the Kaduna State Disaster Management Agency put the death toll at 36, but Dayyabu later put the number at 40. Another 31 people were being treated for injuries in a local hospital.

“They left Kwandare for Saminaka. When they reached Lere, a semi-trailer collided with their vehicle,” he said.

The tragic accident occurred on a day of celebration as the government declared Eid al-Maulud a public holiday.

This latest incident adds to growing concerns about road safety in Nigeria, where accidents are all too common due to overcrowded vehicles and poorly maintained infrastructure.

Panic after a fully occupied BRT bus crashes

In the meantime, Legit.ng earlier reported that on Friday, August 23, a fully loaded Large Capacity Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) vehicle overturned on its side on the dedicated BRT lane at Iyana Ipaja in Lagos State, resulting in injuries to ten passengers.

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According to an update from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), the accident occurred shortly after the bus left the BRT parking lot in Iyana Ipaja.

In an update on X, the agency said the bus hit the foot of an abandoned footbridge immediately after the Iyana-Ipaja Bridge, causing it to tip over on its side, Channels TV reported.

Source: Legit.ng