A fire that erupted in a Hummer bus in Jigawa State on February 22, 2025, left four people burned beyond recognition and ten others injured.
The incident occurred around 4:00 pm, near the Government Girls Unity Secondary School in Gwaram.
In a Sunday statement, SP Lawan Adam, spokesperson for the Jigawa State Police Command, stated that the bus was on its way from Zaki Local Government Area in Bauchi State to Rabadi village in Gwaram Local Government Area when the fire started.
“The vehicle was carrying 44 passengers, including 25 adults and 19 children,” Adam said.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the fire started when the vehicle’s exhaust came into contact with a mattress tied to the back of the bus, igniting flames that spread rapidly.
“The victims were identified as Zuwairah Hassan, 40; Fatima Hassan, 5; Iyatale Hassan, 3; and Halima Muhammad, 10 — all from Saldiga village in Zaki LGA, Bauchi State,” the statement further read.
The ten injured passengers were taken to Gwaram Cottage Hospital, while the other passengers were safely evacuated. Following a medical examination, the bodies of the deceased were handed over to their families.
The Jigawa State Police Command has urged commercial drivers to prioritise safety, avoid overloading, and conduct regular vehicle inspections.
“We urge all drivers to be mindful of the safety of their passengers and other road users.
“Overloading and reckless driving can have devastating consequences, as we have seen in this tragic incident,” Adam said.
The statement concluded by noting that police investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the fire and any possible negligence.
