BoldNWES Africa (Online Monitoring)
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A devastating road accident in Ondo State, Nigeria, has claimed the lives of at least 30 passengers, leaving the nation in mourning. The tragic incident occurred when two commercial buses collided head-on and erupted into flames on the Ore/Lagos Expressway, at the Onipetesi axis.
Reports indicate that a total of 32 people were involved in the crash. Of these, 28 passengers were burnt beyond recognition, while two survivors, who were initially rescued with severe injuries, tragically succumbed to their wounds before reaching the hospital. Two others, who managed to escape the inferno, are currently receiving medical treatment.
Samuel Ibitoye, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander for Ondo State, confirmed the harrowing death toll and attributed the collision to excessive speeding and reckless driving. Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the buses was driving against traffic, which likely led to the fatal head-on crash.
Ibitoye vowed that a full investigation would be conducted to uncover more details surrounding the incident. In his statement, he urged all road users to exercise greater caution, emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance and responsible driving to avoid such tragic events. He also appealed to both drivers and passengers to prioritize safety on the roads.
According to local and national media reports, Ibitoye stated, “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 who was nearby at the time of the crash recounted the horrifying scene. “We heard a loud sound and rushed to the scene, where we saw two vehicles already engulfed in flames. Some people inside were struggling to escape,” the witness recalled. “Shortly after, FRSC officers arrived and rushed the only two survivors to the hospital. However, we later learned that they also died.”
The tragic event has prompted widespread grief across the country, as Nigerians continue to grapple with the loss of so many lives in such a senseless manner.
