At least 19 people have been confirmed dead after a vehicle carrying wedding guests plunged into a river in Gwalli village, Gummi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday.
Survivors said the tragic incident occurred when a Toyota Hummer bus, loaded with 40 passengers, fell off a locally-made bridge while en route to Sakaba village in Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The victims were part of a wedding entourage traveling to convey a newly wedded bride when the accident happened. Eyewitnesses reported that the bridge, which locals had long described as unsafe, collapsed under the weight of the vehicle, causing it to sink into the river.
Emergency responders and villagers rushed to the scene to rescue survivors. While 21 passengers were saved, 19 others drowned before help could reach them.
Authorities in Zamfara have yet to issue an official statement on the accident, but residents are calling on both state and federal governments to fix the dangerous bridge and improve rural infrastructure to prevent future tragedies.
