Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has ordered free medical treatment for victims of a fatal road traffic crash involving a commercial trailer that claimed seven lives and left at least 70 others injured along Hadejia Road at Kwannar Danja.
The incident has once again drawn attention to the persistent dangers on Kano’s highways and renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.
The crash occurred at about 8:33 am on Sunday, February 8, 2026, when a DAF trailer, with registration number KTG 467 YG, reportedly lost control while in motion. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kano State Sector Command, said it received a distress call at 8:35 am and immediately deployed a rescue team, which arrived at the scene within five minutes.
According to preliminary findings by the FRSC, the crash was caused by over-speeding and loss of control, compounded by the unsafe practice of conveying passengers alongside goods. Although the road was confirmed to be in good condition, the single-vehicle accident involved an estimated 105 persons, highlighting the risks associated with overcrowding and the misuse of heavy-duty vehicles for passenger transport.
Seven people were confirmed dead at the scene, while 70 others, 55 males and 15 females, sustained varying degrees of injuries. The injured victims were evacuated to several hospitals across the state, including Sir Sunusi Specialist Hospital, Gezawa General Hospital, Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital and Abdullahi Wase Specialist Hospital in Nasarawa, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Reacting to the tragedy, Governor Yusuf expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as heartbreaking and a painful reminder of the dangers on the state’s roads. In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the governor extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured.
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He directed the Kano State Ministry of Health to ensure that all victims admitted in hospitals receive free and adequate medical care without delay. The governor also instructed the Office of the Special Adviser on Humanitarian Affairs to immediately assess the casualties and develop support measures for affected families.
The latest crash comes amid a worrying pattern of fatal road accidents in Kano State, particularly those involving trailers and other heavy-duty vehicles. In recent years, the state has witnessed several deadly incidents along major routes such as Zaria Road, Maiduguri Road and Hadejia Road, often linked to over-speeding, mechanical failure and the illegal conveyance of passengers in trucks.
Just weeks ago, a similar trailer-related crash at Kwanar Barde in Gezawa Local Government Area reportedly claimed over 30 lives, sparking public outrage and renewed demands for tougher penalties against reckless drivers. In previous years, accidents involving overcrowded vehicles and long-distance trailers have also resulted in mass casualties, placing Kano among states with high road traffic fatalities.
The FRSC has repeatedly warned against the practice of mixing goods with passengers, describing it as a major contributor to fatal crashes across the country. Officials say many commercial drivers, under pressure to maximise profit, ignore basic safety rules, turning highways into death traps for unsuspecting travellers.
In response to the latest incident, the FRSC reiterated its call on motorists to strictly obey traffic regulations, particularly speed limits, and to ensure that vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys. The Corps also urged transport unions and vehicle owners to take responsibility for the conduct of their drivers.
Governor Yusuf echoed these concerns, cautioning motorists—especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles—to desist from reckless driving and other unsafe practices. He stressed that many road traffic deaths are avoidable and called for collective responsibility to safeguard lives on Kano’s roads.
As investigations into the Kwannar Danja crash continue, residents and road safety advocates are urging sustained enforcement, public awareness campaigns and stricter sanctions to prevent further loss of lives and reverse the troubling trend of deadly road accidents in the state.
