A devastating road accident claimed the lives of 11 passengers on Christmas Day when an overloaded Volkswagen Golf 3 saloon car veered off the road and crashed into a tree after a tyre burst at high speed.
The incident occurred around 4:30 PM on December 25, 2025, as the vehicle, carrying 20 passengers six males, eight females, and six children was traveling from Masala village in Ningi Local Government Area (LGA) of Bauchi State to Dutsi village in Mani LGA, Katsina State.
The driver, identified as 45-year-old Rabi’u Mohammed from Randawa village in Mani LGA, Katsina State, reportedly lost control when the front tyres burst while driving at excessive speed, causing the car to collide with a nearby tree.
Eleven passengers died instantly or from their injuries, while the nine survivors, including the driver, were rushed to a hospital in Ringim for treatment and are responding to medical care.
Police operatives promptly arrived at the scene to conduct rescue operations and evacuate the victims.In response, the police issued a strong warning to motorists against high-speed driving and urged regular vehicle safety checks to prevent similar tragedies.
Commercial drivers were specifically cautioned against overloading passengers and were advised to thoroughly inspect their vehicles before journeys.
Authorities reiterated that violators of traffic laws would face arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
