Thirteen passengers were burnt to death in an fatal crash in Ondo State on Saturday. The crash occurred at Abule Panu, Ose Bridge, on the Owo-Ikare highway, approximately 10:14 a.m. A total of 14 people were involved, with 13 reportedly burnt beyond recognition. There was one survivor suffering serious injuries.
Witnesses reported that a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control, leading to a deadly head-on collision between two buses.
The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the accident. He said the fatal crash occurred when one of the buses, traveling from Ikare, suffered a tyre burst. It then ran into another bus coming from Owo, which carried fabric. The impact of the crash caused both buses to burst into flames, trapping the passengers.
“The crash, which occurred at about 10:14 a.m., claimed 13 lives. Only one passenger survived with serious injuries.” He said emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene to assist with rescue operations. They included FRSC, Police, and Fire Service personnel. Rescuers rushed the injured survivor to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo. Authorities did not release the of the person but said doctors were battling to safe life. The bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue.
Witnesses accounts of the fatal crash
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with smoke and flames engulfing both buses. One witness, who was traveling behind the buses, recounted, “It was so quick and terrifying. The explosion was so loud, and within seconds, both buses were completely on fire.”
Road safety experts have stressed the need for better vehicle maintenance and heightened awareness about tire safety. A road safety consultant, Engr. Yemi Adebayo, remarked, “Tyre bursts are a major contributor to road accidents in Nigeria. Drivers must regularly check their tires and avoid overloading their vehicles. This tragedy could have been prevented.”
The Ondo tragic crash is part of a broader pattern of road accidents that have plagued Nigeria in recent weeks. A similar incident occurred in early December on the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.A bus carrying 12 passengers reportedly caught fire after a suspected mechanical fault. Several passengers suffered severe burns in that accident, but there was no report of fatalities.
Dr. Ibitoye has called on both drivers and passengers to be more vigilant about safety. “Drivers must ensure their vehicles are in good condition before setting out,” he said. “Passengers must also speak out when they feel unsafe or when they notice dangerous driving practices.”
Shock and mourning
Those who witnessed the accident said they were still in shock following the tragic deaths. Many expressed their condolences, calling for more attention to road safety. A local activist, Dayo Akinola, expressed grief over the incident. “We cannot keep losing lives like this. Government must do more to ensure the safety of road users in our state.”
Road safety experts and public affairs analysts want more significant actions to address the growing accidents on the country. “We need stricter regulations on vehicle maintenance and better enforcement of traffic laws,” said Engr. Adebayo. “This tragedy is a reminder that road safety is not just the responsibility of drivers. It is for everyone involved in the journey, including government authorities.” He urged all road users to take responsibility for their own safety. “Safety is a collective effort,” he emphasized.
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