Four Dead, 10 Injured In Jigawa Bus Fire
A tragic fire incident in Jigawa State claimed four lives and left ten others injured after a Hummer bus went up in flames on Saturday.
The fire broke out around 4:00 pm near Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Gwaram.
According to SP Lawan Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, the bus was en route from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Rabadi village in Gwaram Local Government Area when the incident occurred.
“The vehicle was carrying 44 passengers, including 25 adults and 19 children,” Adam stated.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started when “the vehicle’s exhaust came into contact with a mattress tied to the back of the bus, igniting flames that quickly spread.
“The victims were identified as Zuwairah Hassan, 40; Fatima Hassan, 5; Iyatale Hassan, 3; and Halima Muhammad, 10 — all from Saldiga village in Zaki LGA, Bauchi State,” the statement further read.
Ten injured passengers were taken to Gwaram Cottage Hospital, while the remaining passengers were safely evacuated.
The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families after medical examination.
The Jigawa State Police Command urged commercial drivers to prioritise safety, avoid overloading, and conduct routine vehicle checks.
“We urge all drivers to be mindful of the safety of their passengers and other road users. Overloading and reckless driving can have devastating consequences, as we have seen in this tragic incident,” Adam said.
Police investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and any possible negligence, the statement concluded.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
