Stories from the road
Athletes' bus crashes after a long overnight trip
Kano–Zaria expressway, Kano State, Nigeria
Cause stated by authoritiesWhat happened
On Saturday 31 May 2025, a bus carrying members of Kano State's team home from the National Sports Festival in Ogun State crashed at a bridge on the Kano–Zaria expressway, at the end of a long overnight journey.
More than 20 people were killed. The FRSC reported 21 deaths and three people injured; other reports, citing the Kano State governor, gave 22 deaths.
The FRSC said the crash might have occurred as a result of fatigue and excessive speed during a long night trip. Its findings were described as preliminary.
What the evidence says about fatigue
The FRSC said the crash might have been caused by fatigue and excessive speed during a long night-time journey. This was a preliminary assessment, and speed is named alongside fatigue.
Why it matters
Long overnight journeys combine hours of driving with the time of day when the body most wants to sleep. Planned rest stops matter most on exactly these trips.
Sources
- Al Jazeera (opens in a new tab)Bus plunges off bridge in northern Nigeria, killing 22 athletes · 1 June 2025
- Tribune Online (opens in a new tab)Accident: Fatigue, excessive speeding caused death of Kano athletes — FRSC · 1 June 2025
This summary was written by Drowzy from the reports listed above. Please read the original reporting for full details. If anything here is inaccurate, let us know so we can correct it.