By Njoku Chijioke
Tragedy has struck Kano State’s sports community as a fatal road accident claimed the lives of at least 22 athletes and officials returning from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State.
The crash occurred late Friday night at the Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area.
The ill-fated vehicle was carrying 35 passengers; mostly athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and sports administrators when it plunged off the bridge.
Eyewitness and survivor Ado Salisu Gama confirmed the grim toll. “Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle Bridge, including the driver. Another victim just died,” he said.
The Kano State delegation had returned after winning 29 medals at the festival. The tragedy has turned what was meant to be a triumphant homecoming into a devastating loss.
Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, Umar Bala Fagge, confirmed the incident, saying the vehicle was conveying around 30 athletes at the time of the crash.
Rescue operations are ongoing, while several survivors are receiving treatment at Kura General Hospital.
The incident has cast a pall over the national sporting community, with condolences pouring in from across the country.
