By Omowumi Omotosho
At least 12 people lost their lives in a devastating accident involving a trailer and another vehicle along the Oko Olowo stretch of the Ilorin-Jebba expressway in Kwara State.
Reports indicate that several other individuals sustained varying levels of injuries in the unfortunate incident.
According to eyewitnesses, the crash occurred around 5:35 PM on Wednesday. A trailer, bearing the registration number AYE 218 XC, collided head-on with a vehicle identified by the plate number TTN 556 XA, leading to the tragic outcome.
One of the vehicles involved in the tragic crash was reportedly carrying both human passengers and cattle from Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, to Ogbomoso in Oyo State. Meanwhile, the trailer was said to be heading from Lagos to Kano.
Emergency responders, along with officers from the ‘G’ Division Police Command in Oloje, quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. The injured victims were promptly transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention.
Families of the deceased were reportedly present to retrieve the bodies of their loved ones.
While investigations into the incident are ongoing, initial findings suggest that overspeeding and reckless driving may have contributed to the fatal crash.
A video of the tragic scene, captured by one of the rescuers and shared with this platform, revealed a truck overturned on its side with over 10 lifeless bodies scattered across the roadway.
In the background of the footage, a voice could be heard urging the government to take urgent action to prevent recurring tragedies caused by avoidable accidents on the stretch of road, which has recently claimed numerous lives.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a senior official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kwara Command, disclosed that 15 people lost their lives in the crash, while three others sustained injuries.
Confirming the incident in a phone interview, the FRSC Sector Commander, Muftau Irekeola, stated: “But I am still waiting for the details from my boys in Olooru unit.”
“That we have 15 casualties may not be far from the truth but I am still waiting for details.
“I am waiting for the details from my boys. It was a multiple accident involving a trailer and one Canter truck.”
Meanwhile former Senate President, Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has expressed sadness over the crash.
Saraki also commiserated with the families of those who lost their loved ones and wished the injured quick recovery.
This was contained in a statement signed by his Press Officer on Local Matters, Abdulganiyu Abdulqadir, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Thursday.
The former Senate President expressed concern over the rate of auto crash in the country, many of which he said was avoidable.
The statement read, “It saddens my heart to hear about the fatal accident that claimed the lives of active individuals who were most likely, traveling, in pursuit of their livelihood and other lofty goals.
“In a gory and unexpected manner, their lives were taken in that accident, many of which were preventable.
“I empathize and sympathize with their families and pray almighty Allah to grant them the strength to bear the loss.
“I also wish those recuperating in the hospital, God’s healing and speedy recovery.
“We can only charge our safety managers and other relevant agencies to step up efforts towards making our roads safer.
“I implore commuters as well to observe traffic rules and ensure that vehicles are in good and safe condition.”
