12 burned to death in Jigawa crash, given fast mass burial

At least 18 people have died as a result of an accident involving two passenger buses in Birnin Kudu in Jigawa state.

Many of the bodies were burnt beyond recognition, reports say.

Eyewitnesses said over 20 persons died but the police put the death toll at 18.

The accident occurred on Wednesday along Birninkudu-Kano road and the victims were, according to reports, from Balangu town.

Jigawa police command confirmed the incident to journalists, saying the accident occurred around 6:30am.

Spokesperson for the command, Lawan Shisu, said two vehicles had a head-on collision which resulted in a fire outbreak.

According to him, 12 of the passengers were burnt beyond recognition while six of them died on the spot.

He said only one of the drivers of the vehicles survived the accident, and was at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Birninkudu.

“Today, being June 9, 2021, at about 6:30 am, close to Alu Farms Birninkudu LGA, two hummer buses had a head-on collision which resulted in the outbreak of fire.

“Twelve persons were burnt to death and their remains couldn’t be identified. A mass burial has been conducted for their remains.

“Six others died instantly while their remains were taken to FMC mortuary. But a driver survived the accident with a fracture on his leg,” he said.