4 Dead, 10 Hospitalized After Bus Catches Fire in Jigawa

Four people have tragically lost their lives, and 10 others were injured following a bus fire incident in Gwaram Local Government Area of Jigawa State.

The spokesperson for the Jigawa Police Command, Lawan Shiisu, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Dutse on Sunday, February 23.

Shiisu explained that the incident occurred on Saturday, February 22, at approximately 4 p.m. when a bus carrying 44 passengers from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Gwaram LGA in Jigawa State was engulfed in flames.

“On Saturday, at about 1600hrs, a motor vehicle Hummer bus with Reg No. ZAK 382 XA, driven by one Dalha Saleh of Zaki LGA of Bauchi State, was conveying 44 passengers; 25 adults and 19 children from Zaki LGA and heading for Rabadi village in Gwaram LGA of Jigawa.

“On reaching Government Girls Unity Secondary School Gwaram, fire engulfed the vehicle which emanated from its exhaust as a result of contact with a mattress that was tied to the back of the vehicle.

“As a result, four persons, namely Zuwairah Hassan, aged 40; Fatima Hassan, five; Iyatale Hassan, three and Halima Muhammad, 10, all of Saldiga village in Zaki LGA of Bauchi, were burnt beyond recognition,” Mr Shiisu said.

He explained that 10 other passengers, who sustained various degrees of injuries, were rushed to Gwaram Cottage Hospital for treatment, while the remaining passengers were safely rescued.

The spokesman added that after a doctor’s examination and confirmation, the remains of the deceased passengers were released to their relatives for burial.

Mr. Shiisu advised motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to avoid speeding and overloading both people and goods.