Tragedy struck in Zamfara State when a vehicle carrying 19 wedding guests fell into a river after the collapse of a bridge.
The unfortunate event resulted in the death of at least 19 people, including men, women, and children.
The accident occurred on Saturday, September 13, 2025, around 4:45 pm, as the vehicle transporting the bride and her family members was crossing the weakened Gwalli Bridge in the Gummi Local Government Area.
The bridge, which had been in poor condition for years, suddenly gave way, causing the vehicle to plunge into the water below.
The victims were mostly family members of the late Sheikh Dauda Fass, who previously served in the state House of Assembly.
A local resident, Babangida Fass, shared that the tragedy happened while his newlywed sister was being taken to her husband’s home in a nearby community.
After the crash, emergency responders discovered 19 bodies, including those of children.
The bridge had linked several towns and villages in the area, but it had suffered from neglect.
Although there was some repair work done years ago, heavy rainfall had eroded it, and attempts by residents to shore it up earlier this year were not enough to prevent this disaster.
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Community leaders have called this tragedy “avoidable” and are urging both the federal and state governments to step in urgently.
They are asking for immediate support for the grieving families and for plans to rebuild the collapsed bridge, which is crucial for trade and travel in the region.
One local lamented that the issue extends beyond just Gwalli, affecting the entire Bardoki area.
The community is now in mourning, worried that if infrastructure issues are not addressed, more lives may be at risk in the future.
