- Tragic Accident: Only One Survivor Rescued with Serious Injuries
- Eyewitness Reports Tyre Burst Led to Fiery Head-On Collision
Thirteen passengers tragically lost their lives in a fatal auto crash on Saturday morning at Abule Panu, Ose Bridge, along the Owo-Ikare highway in Ondo State. The collision, involving two buses, resulted in a fiery inferno that left only one survivor, who sustained severe injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred when a bus traveling from the Ikare axis suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The vehicle collided head-on with another bus loaded with fabric traveling from the Owo axis. The impact sparked a fire that engulfed both vehicles, burning 13 occupants beyond recognition.
Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident in a statement issued from Akure. He revealed that the accident happened at approximately 10:14 a.m., with 14 individuals involved. Rescue operations were swiftly carried out by the FRSC, police, and fire service.
“The injured victim was immediately taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, while the charred remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospital morgue,” Ibitoye stated.
He further urged drivers to exercise caution and maintain their vehicles regularly, while advising passengers to speak out against reckless driving. “Road safety is a collective responsibility,” he emphasized.
The tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance and adherence to road safety measures to prevent such devastating losses.
