The Ondo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps has reported that at least 13 individuals lost their lives in a tragic road accident along the Owo-Ikare Akoko Expressway, near Abule Panu village in Owo Local Government Area on Saturday.
It was revealed that the two vehicles involved collided head-on and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of all occupants.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, stated in an announcement on Saturday that the accident occurred at around 10:14 am, claiming the lives of 13 individuals from the two buses.
According to Commander Ibitoye, the victims were burnt beyond recognition, while the sole survivor sustained severe injuries.
He noted that his team, along with the police and the state fire service, rushed to the scene to assist, but unfortunately, only one person survived the incident.
Ibitoye said, “A total of 14 people were involved, of whom 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.”
“Eyewitness accounts indicate that the bus travelling from the Ikare direction suffered a tyre burst, leading to a loss of control and a subsequent head-on collision with another bus carrying fabric from the Owo direction.
“Both buses ignited immediately after the collision. The FRSC, police, and state fire service responded swiftly to the crash site to provide assistance.”
The injured survivor was taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, while the deceased were transferred to the morgue of the same hospital.
The FRSC commander urged drivers to exercise patience on the roads, maintain their vehicles properly, and called on passengers to report any dangerous driving, emphasising that road safety is a concern for everyone.