Bus Falls Free From Bridge, 21 Nigerian Athletes Died

JAKARTA - At least 21 athletes from the state of Kano, Nigeria, died after the bus they were traveling on lost control and fell free from the bridge in the Kura area, Saturday, May 31.

The unlucky bus was carrying 35 passengers. Most of them are athletes and officials who have just returned from the National Sports Festival (NSF) in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria.

Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission Umar Faggie said by telephone that the bus belonging to the Sports Commission had an accident before reaching its final destination.

"The athletes were on a bus belonging to the Kano state Sports Commission when the bus slipped and fell off the bridge," he told Anadolu, confiscated by Antara.

Several survivors were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar also expressed his deep condolences through the X account, calling the victims the "best sons and daughters of the nation -- full of dedication, talent, and great hope."

"I was devastated to hear the news of a tragic accident that claimed the lives of 21 athletes from the new Kano returning from the National Sports Festival in Abeokuta," he wrote.

The National Sports Festival (NSF) is a prestigious multi-branch sporting event in Nigeria that brings together athletes from various states.

The festival aims to strengthen national unity, encourage athletic development, and foster the spirit of sportsmanship.

Some of the sports competed include athletics, football, basketball, and volleyball.