A devastating road accident on Saturday claimed the lives of 13 people along the Owo-Ikare Akoko Expressway near Abule Panu village in Ondo State.
The crash, involving two buses, resulted in a head-on collision that led to both vehicles bursting into flames and burning all occupants except one survivor.
Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, confirmed the tragic incident in a statement. The accident occurred around 10:14 a.m., with 14 people involved in total.
“Thirteen people were burnt beyond recognition, while one person was rescued with serious injuries,” Ibitoye said.
Emergency responders, including the FRSC, police, and state fire service, were quick to arrive at the scene, but the inferno had already consumed the victims.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that the crash was caused by a tyre burst on one of the buses coming from the Ikare axis.
This led to a loss of control and a fatal head-on collision with another bus transporting fabrics from the Owo axis. Both vehicles immediately caught fire, trapping the passengers.
The sole survivor was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, for urgent medical attention, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital's morgue.
Ibitoye emphasized the importance of road safety, urging drivers to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and to exercise patience on the highways.
He also called on passengers to speak up against reckless driving, stressing that road safety is a collective responsibility.
This incident underscores the critical need for vigilance and adherence to road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies.