The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 10 persons in a fatal road crash along the Tafa–Gujeni route in Niger State, attributing the incident to excessive speeding and illegal mixed loading.

The crash, which occurred at about 8:20 a.m. on Monday at Malam Tanko within the Tafa axis, involved a DAF tanker with registration number FKY136XD carrying 33 male occupants.

According to the FRSC, 10 persons died in the accident, 20 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while three others were rescued unhurt.

Preliminary investigations by the Corps revealed that the driver lost control due to excessive speed. The situation was further worsened by the unlawful practice of conveying both goods and passengers in the same vehicle, a violation the agency has repeatedly warned against.

FRSC operatives from the RS7.26A Tafa Outpost responded promptly to the distress call, rescuing 23 victims alive and clearing the road to restore normal traffic flow.

The injured were evacuated to the Umar Musa General Hospital in Sabon Wuse for treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital mortuary.

Reacting to the incident, Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed described the crash as avoidable and a tragic consequence of disregard for traffic regulations.

He reiterated that no journey is worth the loss of lives and condemned the persistent violation of safety rules by some road users, particularly speeding and mixed loading.

The Corps Marshal said the FRSC would intensify enforcement measures and public enlightenment campaigns nationwide to curb such practices and improve road safety.

He urged transport operators and drivers to adhere strictly to prescribed speed limits and avoid using inappropriate vehicles for passenger transportation.

The FRSC boss also extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery, while calling on members of the public to remain safety conscious at all times.