In a devastating incident on Saturday, at least 20 athletes from the Kano contingent lost their lives in a tragic motor accident at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State. The athletes were returning from the recently concluded National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they had competed with zeal.
Umar Fagge, Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the accident and the fatalities, revealing that the bus carrying 30 athletes fell from the bridge. “As I am talking to you now, we have counted 19 dead bodies,” Fagge said, underscoring the gravity of the crash. Many other athletes sustained injuries of varying severity.
Adding to the unfolding tragedy, Ado Salisu, a former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), reported that victims were being rushed to Kura General Hospital for urgent medical attention.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano Sector Command, also confirmed the accident through their Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Labaran. However, Labaran noted that the exact number of casualties was yet to be verified. “We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment,” he stated.
This heartbreaking event casts a shadow over the Gateway Games 2024, a festival meant to celebrate athleticism and unity. The Kano State Sports Commission and emergency services continue to manage the aftermath as the sports community mourns the loss of promising athletes.
