30 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

No fewer than 30 people lost their lives in a horrific crash on the Ore-Lagos Road, specifically in the Onipetesi area of Mile 49 in Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State.

The incident, which occurred over the weekend, involved two commercial buses travelling towards the eastern part of the country.

The drivers, reportedly trying to avoid traffic, drove against oncoming vehicles, resulting in a head-on collision that ignited both buses in a fierce blaze.

Eyewitnesses described the devastation, with many passengers burnt beyond recognition. Two others succumbed to their injuries on the way to the hospital.

Ms. Precision Oluwatuyi, one of the witnesses, revealed that both drivers were in a rush, with one even exceeding safe speeds to evade traffic congestion.

“The drivers’ impatience led to the tragedy,” she stated. “Both buses were fully loaded, and after the crash, 28 of the occupants were killed, with two more passing away from severe injuries en route to the hospital.”

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the crash, attributing it to reckless driving and excessive speeding.

The sector commander advised passengers to report “reckless and stubborn” drivers to FRSC personnel on the highway.

“The contract between the driver and passengers is to take them safely to their destinations, not to drive them to their graves.

“We appeal to our drivers to always exercise patience on the highway in order to reduce crashes to safe lives and property,” Mr Ibitoye said.

The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Ore, while the two survivors who sustained high degree of injuries were at the same hospital for treatment.

The FRSC has called for greater vigilance from both drivers and passengers to prevent such senseless losses in the future.