Four persons were burnt to death and 10 others injured after a 44-seater passenger bus caught fire in Jigawa State on Sunday.
A statement by Lawan Adam, the public relations officer of the Jigawa State Police Command, said that the incident occurred near the Government Girls Unity Secondary School in the Gwaram Local Government Area of the state.
Adam noted that the incident involved a white Hummer bus with registration number ZAK 382 XA, driven by one Dalha Saleh, 40, of Galdimari quarters, Saldigal village, Zaki LGA, Bauchi state.
He added that the vehicle was conveying 44 passengers — 25 adults and 19 children — from Zaki LGA to Rabadi village in Gwaram.
“On reaching Government Girls Unity Secondary School, Gwaram, fire engulfed the vehicle, which emanated from the exhaust as a result of contact with a mattress that was tied at the back of the vehicle,” Adam said.
The police spokesperson said four passengers — Zuwairah Hassan, 40; Fatima Hassan, 5; Iyatale Hassan, 3; and Halima Muhammad, 10 — all from Saldiga village, were burnt beyond recognition.
He said the ten injured passengers were rushed to Gwaram Cottage Hospital for treatment, while the remaining passengers were safely rescued.
“Following a doctor’s examination, corpses were released to their relatives for burial,” he added.
“The Jigawa State Police Command has urged motorists, particularly commercial drivers, to avoid overloading both people and property.
“They should avoid exceeding the speed limit and regularly inspect their brakes and tyres before embarking on any journey.”