In a tragic incident, 30 people lost their lives in a horrific road accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway at the Onipetesi community in the Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The accident occurred on Saturday evening, when two commercial buses collided head-on and burst into flames, leaving no survivors.
According to the Ondo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the victims were burnt beyond recognition in the fire that followed the crash. FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the death toll, stating that preliminary investigations revealed that one of the buses involved was driving against traffic.
He said, "Thirty people lost their lives in the accident. Twenty-eight persons were burnt beyond recognition, while two initially survived but later died on their way to the hospital."
An eyewitness to the accident shared details of the chaotic scene. "We were nearby when we heard a very loud sound. On reaching the scene, we saw two vehicles that had collided, already burning, while some people inside were struggling to escape. Shortly after, FRSC officers arrived at the scene and rushed the only two survivors to the hospital. However, we later learned that they also died," the eyewitness recounted.
The FRSC Commander, Mr. Ibitoye, urged all motorists to exercise caution on the expressway and strictly adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent such accidents in the future.
This tragic accident highlights the dangers of reckless driving and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety on Nigeria's highways.
May the souls of the departed rest in peace.