In a devastating incident, 22 members of the Kano State sports delegation have died in a fatal accident while returning from the National Sports Festival held in Ogun State. The tragedy occurred when their vehicle plunged into a bridge at Dakatsalle in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
According to reports, the accident involved a vehicle carrying 35 passengers who were part of the Kano State contingent that had participated in the sporting event. The delegation was returning home after a successful outing where they had secured 29 medals at the festival.
Ado Salisu Gama, a survivor of the accident, confirmed the tragic news while speaking from Kura General Hospital on Saturday morning. "22 people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle bridge, just before Kura. The driver too is dead. As I speak with you, one other member just died," he stated, clearly in shock from the ordeal.
Victims Include Athletes and Officials
The casualties reportedly include athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and administrators who were part of the state's sports delegation. Survivors of the crash are currently receiving medical attention at Kura General Hospital.
The accident has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebratory return for the team after their performance at the National Sports Festival. The Kano State contingent had performed admirably at the competition, securing numerous medals for their state.
Details surrounding the circumstances of the accident remain limited as investigations continue. Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
This tragedy comes as a significant blow to the sporting community in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole, with the loss of promising athletes and dedicated sports officials.
As more information becomes available, updates will be provided on this developing story. The incident has already begun to draw condolences from across the country as news of the tragedy spreads.