Kehinde Fajobi
At least 30 people lost their lives on Saturday evening in a fatal crash on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway at Onipetesi, Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
The victims were burnt beyond recognition when two commercial buses collided head-on and caught fire.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samuel Ibitoye, attributed the accident to one of the vehicles driving against traffic.
“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,” he said.
An eyewitness, who described the crash as horrific, recounted the moment of impact.
“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 learnt that they also died,” the witness said.
The FRSC has urged motorists to obey traffic rules and drive with caution to prevent further tragedies.