Ayomidele Oluwasusi
At least 13 people lost their lives in a devastating road accident along a highway in Nigeria’s southwestern state of Ondo, road safety agency said on Saturday.
The fatal crash, which occurred at approximately 10:14 am on Saturday at Abule Panu, before Ose Bridge, on the Owo-Ikare highway, involved two buses carrying a total of 14 people, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said.
It was confirmed that 13 of the commuters were burnt beyond recognition, while only one person was rescued alive with serious injuries.
The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, in a statement – expressed regret over the loss of lives in the tragic accident.
The statement partly read: “FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today December 28, at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 a.m. claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue.”
The Sector Commander, however, revealed that the injured victim had been taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
Ibitoye, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” he said.
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