Seven people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured following a collision involving a Mazda car and a Toyota Sienna along the Bida-Kutigi-Mokwa Road in Niger State.

The latest figure was released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), after an earlier eyewitness account had put the death toll at nine.

The Niger State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Aishat Sa’adu, said 18 people were involved in the crash, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday between Lanle and Shaba Woro communities.

According to her, the Mazda was travelling from Minna towards Mokwa, while the Toyota Sienna was heading from Lagos towards Minna.

Sa’adu explained that the accident occurred when the Mazda driver attempted to overtake another vehicle, lost control and collided with the oncoming Sienna.

Seven people died in the crash, seven sustained injuries, while four others escaped unhurt.

The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital, Kutigi, where they are receiving treatment, while the bodies of those who died were deposited at a mortuary.

The collision caused severe damage to both vehicles, with some passengers reportedly trapped inside and requiring rescue operations by FRSC personnel.

The FRSC attributed the crash primarily to wrongful overtaking and loss of control.

Sa’adu urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly when overtaking or approaching bends and areas with limited visibility. She also advised drivers to avoid excessive speed and take adequate rest during long journeys to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Bottom line: The confirmed death toll is 7, not 9. Seven others were injured and four people escaped without injuries.