At least 13 people tragically lost their lives in a road accident on Saturday along the Ikare-Akoko/Owo Road in Ondo State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) State Sector Commander, Samuel Ibitoye, disclosed the incident in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital.
“We regret to report a fatal road crash that occurred on December 28, 2024, at Abule Panu, near Ose Bridge, along the Owo-Ikare highway in Ondo State,” the statement read.
The crash, which happened around 10:14 a.m., involved two buses and resulted in the loss of 13 lives, with victims burnt beyond recognition. Out of the 14 individuals involved, only one survived but sustained severe injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident occurred when a bus traveling from the Ikare direction suffered a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. This led to a head-on collision with another bus transporting fabric from the Owo axis. Both vehicles immediately caught fire after the collision.
Rescue efforts were promptly carried out by FRSC officials, the police, and the fire service. The injured victim was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were transferred to the hospital’s morgue.
Commander Ibitoye urged drivers to exercise caution and ensure regular vehicle maintenance. He also called on passengers to speak up against reckless driving, emphasizing that road safety is a collective responsibility.