KANO, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — At least 21 athletes and officials from the Kano State contingent to the just-concluded National Sports Festival in Ogun State have died in a road accident, eyewitnesses and officials confirmed Saturday.
The victims were returning from the festival when their bus reportedly somersaulted after hitting a pothole on Daka Tsalle bridge in Garun Malam Local Government Area around 8 a.m.
“Seventeen athletes and two officials died on the spot, while two others later died at Kura General Hospital,” said Ado Salisu, an official who was on the ill-fated trip.
Witnesses at the scene confirmed the death toll and said more than 10 others sustained serious injuries.
Among the deceased was the spokesman for the Kano State Sports Council, Galadima Ibrahim, Salisu added.
“The injured passengers are currently receiving treatment at the hospital,” he said. “Preparations are underway to hand over the bodies to their respective families.”
CHATNEWSTV gathered that 30 other buses conveying members of the Kano contingent departed Ogun on Thursday night and arrived in Kano safely.
