BREAKING: Gateway Games 2024 Marred by Fatal Road Accident – 20 Kano Athletes Dead

The Gateway Games 2024, a major sporting event held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has been overshadowed by tragedy as a fatal road accident claimed the lives of 20 athletes from Kano State. The accident occurred on Saturday at Dakatsalle Bridge in Kura Local Government Area, Kano State, as the athletes were returning home.

Umar Fagge, Chairman of Kano State Sports Commission, confirmed the incident, describing the crash as catastrophic. “The bus conveying 30 athletes fell from the bridge, leading to the death of the 20 athletes,” he said. He also noted that several others were injured and receiving treatment.

Ado Salisu, former Vice President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, revealed that the injured were being transported to Kura General Hospital for emergency care.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kano also acknowledged the accident but refrained from confirming casualty figures. Abdullahi Labaran, FRSC Kano’s Public Relations Officer, said, “We just received the report of the accident, so, I cannot confirm the exact number of casualties at the moment.”

This tragic event has deeply affected the Kano sports community and raises urgent questions about road safety for athletes traveling between states. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash as the nation mourns the loss of young sporting talents.