Tragedy: How Auto-Crash Claimed 13 Lives, Injured One In Ondo

No fewer than 13 people died in a road accident along Ikare-Akoko/Owo Road on Saturday in Ondo State.

The State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Ibitoye, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Akure, the state capital.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM 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 statement read.

According to him, the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

Ibitoye advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

He also encouraged passengers to speak out against dangerous driving, stressing that road safety is a concern of all.