by Akindele Orimolade

​KANO, Nigeria — A devastating road accident in northwestern Nigeria has left at least 30 people dead after an overloaded truck careened off a major highway in Kano State on Sunday.

​The vehicle, which was reportedly packed with both passengers and commercial goods, lost control near Kwanar Barde, a village located within the Gezawa local government area. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the truck plunged off the road, leaving a trail of destruction and numerous others fighting for their lives in nearby hospitals.

​Official Statements and Response

​Authorities have been quick to point toward human error as the primary cause of the carnage.

• ​Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson for the Kano State government, pointed the finger at the driver’s behavior: ​”The crash was a direct result of reckless driving. This was a preventable tragedy that has now cost dozens of families their loved ones.”