A tragic accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway in Ondo State has claimed the lives of 30 people after two commercial buses collided and caught fire.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening at Onipetesi, a community in Odigbo Local Government Area.
According to the Ondo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 28 victims were burnt beyond recognition, while two initially survived but later succumbed to their injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Confirming the crash, Ondo FRSC Sector Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, attributed the accident to reckless driving.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that one of the buses was traveling against traffic when the collision occurred. Unfortunately, 30 people lost their lives, with most of them trapped in the burning vehicles,” Ibitoye stated.
An eyewitness described the scene as horrifying, saying the fire spread rapidly, leaving passengers little chance of survival.
“We heard a loud crash and rushed to the scene. Both vehicles were engulfed in flames, and we could hear people screaming for help. It was a terrible sight,” he recounted.
Efforts to rescue survivors proved futile as the intensity of the fire made access difficult.
Emergency responders from the FRSC arrived promptly, evacuating the two initially rescued victims, who later died from severe burns.
In response to the tragedy, the FRSC has reiterated the need for strict adherence to traffic regulations, particularly against dangerous practices such as driving against traffic.
“This accident was avoidable. Motorists must obey road signs and prioritize safety. We will continue to educate road users, but enforcement will also be intensified,” Ibitoye warned.
Meanwhile, authorities are making arrangements for the proper handling of the remains of the victims, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
