From Taiye Joseph
A dark cloud has descended on Kano State, following the tragic death of 22 members of its sports delegation who were returning from the 22nd National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The fatal accident occurred in the early hours of Saturday when the bus conveying the athletes and officials rammed into the Dakatsalle bridge in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State.
Among the victims were athletes, journalists, medical personnel, and administrators who had all contributed to Kano’s strong showing at the games.
The bus was carrying 35 passengers when the crash occurred. Out of the occupants, 22 were confirmed dead, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to the Kura General Hospital for treatment.
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One of the survivors, Ado Salisu Gama, recounted the horror of the crash. “Twenty-two people have been confirmed dead at Dakatsalle bridge, just before Kura,” he said. “The driver too is dead. As I speak with you, one other member just died. The rest are receiving treatment in the hospital.”
Among the deceased were medal-winning athletes who had brought home a total of 29 medals for Kano State during the two-week sports festival which ended on Friday. Their death has left the sporting community and their families in deep sorrow.
The state government and sports authorities are expected to release an official statement and begin arrangements to honour the fallen heroes, whose contributions to the state will not be forgotten.
