At least 21 people were killed when a passenger bus lost control and fell off a bridge in Kano state, Nigeria. All of the victims were athletes. Those who survived the horrific accident have been admitted to a local hospital and are receiving emergency treatment.
The Turkish news agency Anadolu Agency reported this information in a report on Saturday (May 31) night.
The news agency said that 21 athletes from Kano state, Nigeria, were killed in a tragic road accident while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun state, southwestern Nigeria.
The accident occurred when the bus fell off a bridge in the Kura area on Saturday. There were a total of 35 passengers on the bus – most of them athletes and sports officials.
The chairman of the Kano state sports commission, Umar Faggi, said that the athletes were returning to the Kano state sports commission bus. The bus lost control and fell off the bridge on the way. The injured in the accident have been admitted to a local hospital and are receiving emergency treatment.
Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed his deep condolences in a message on Twitter. He said, “These athletes were the best representatives of our nation – talented, promising and full of future potential.”
He also said, “I am deeply saddened by the news of this tragic accident on my way back from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun.”
The National Sports Festival (NSF) is one of the largest multi-sport events in Nigeria. Athletes from different states of the country participate in this competition in various sports including athletics, football, basketball, volleyball, etc. Source: Anadolu Agency