At least 30 people were killed on Sunday when an overloaded truck crashed in Nigeria’s northwestern Kano State, according to local authorities. The incident has reignited urgent calls for improved road safety measures across the region.
The vehicle, reportedly carrying both passengers and goods, lost control on a major highway near Kwanar Barde village in Gezawa local government area. Survivors were rushed to nearby hospitals with injuries, though officials have not yet released a full casualty count. State government spokesman Bature Dawakin-Tofa attributed the crash to reckless driving, a persistent challenge in Nigeria’s transportation networks.
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf described the tragedy as “unfortunate” and ordered free medical care for survivors. The accident highlights ongoing concerns about lax enforcement of traffic regulations, particularly regarding vehicle overloading—a common risk factor in similar incidents across West Africa.
As communities mourn, regional leaders face mounting pressure to implement stricter safety protocols ahead of 2026’s peak travel seasons. Analysts suggest this tragedy could accelerate infrastructure investments and driver education programs in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
