Four killed, 10 injured in Jigawa bus fire

A devastating fire engulfed a Hummer bus in Jigawa State on Saturday leaving four people burnt beyond recognition and 10 others injured.

The incident occurred around 4:00 pm near the Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Gwaram.

According to  the Police Public Relations Officer, Jigawa State Police Command, SP Lawan Shiisu Adam, in a statement in Dutse on Sunday, the bus was travelling from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Rabadi village in Gwaram Local Government Area.

He said, “The vehicle was carrying 44 passengers, including 25 adults and 19 children.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started from the exhaust of the vehicle, which came into contact with a mattress tied at the back of the bus. The mattress ignited, spreading the flames quickly throughout the vehicle.”

According to him, four people lost their lives in the tragic incident: Zuwairah Hassan, 40; Fatima Hassan, five; Iyatale Hassan, three; and Halima Muhammad, 10. All the victims were from Saldiga village in Zaki Local Government Area, Bauchi State.

Adam also confirmed that 10 passengers were rushed to the Gwaram Cottage Hospital for treatment, while the remaining passengers were safely rescued. The corpses of the deceased were released to their relatives for burial after a doctor’s examination.

The Jigawa State Police Command urged motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to exercise caution on the roads.

It also cautioned drivers to avoid overloading, exceeding speed limits, and to regularly inspect their vehicles’ brakes and tyres before embarking on any journey.

“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.

The police are currently investigating the incident to determine the cause of the fire and to identify any potential negligence or wrongdoing.