The incident occurred on a highway near Gidan Kwano village in Bosso local government area of Niger state in the early hours of Sunday.

At least 18 people were charred to death when the passenger bus caught fire following the collision, said Abiodun Wasiu, the police spokesperson in the state.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident, he said.

He also urged the drivers always observe traffic rules and regulations.

Road violations emanating from speed, road signs, or vehicle light, are the leading causes of road traffic accidents in Nigeria.

A total of 1,834 Nigerians died from road crashes in the first three months of 2022, according to a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.

The report said 24,192 persons were involved in 5,316 road accidents during the period with 12,124 casualties recorded. (ILKHA)