Tragedy struck on the Ore-Lagos Road in Ondo State over the weekend when at least 30 passengers were burnt to death following a fatal auto crash at the Onipetesi area of Mile 49 in Odigbo Local Government Area.
City and Crime reports that the devastating accident occurred when two commercial buses heading to the eastern part of the country drove against traffic in an attempt to bypass congestion.
The reckless maneuver led to a head-on collision, causing both vehicles to burst into flames upon impact.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted the horrifying incident, noting that the fire consumed the passengers before help could arrive.
Ms. Precision Oluwatuyi, one of the witnesses, attributed the tragedy to impatience and excessive speeding by the drivers.
“The two commercial buses collided and immediately caught fire, trapping everyone inside. The drivers were driving the wrong way to avoid traffic, and they were moving at a high speed,” Oluwatuyi narrated.
“Both buses were fully loaded. I counted 28 bodies at the scene, and two other passengers died while being rushed to the hospital.”
Confirming the accident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, stated that the victims were burnt beyond recognition.
He blamed excessive speeding and traffic violations for the accident, emphasizing the need for caution and adherence to road safety regulations.
“Thirty passengers lost their lives in this tragic incident. It’s unfortunate that they were burnt beyond recognition due to reckless driving,” Ibitoye said.
“Drivers must remember that their contract with passengers is to transport them safely, not to drive them to their graves.”
He further urged passengers to take an active role in road safety by cautioning reckless drivers or reporting them to FRSC officials on duty.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital in Ore, while the two survivors who sustained varying degrees of injuries are receiving treatment at the same facility.
Authorities continue to warn motorists against dangerous driving practices, stressing the importance of patience and adherence to traffic regulations to prevent further loss of lives on Nigerian highways.