13 dead in Ondo auto crash

At least 13 people have died in a tragic road accident on the Owo-Ikare Akoko expressway, near Abule Panu village in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The collision, which occurred on Saturday around 10:14 am, involved two buses that caught fire, burning all but one of the occupants beyond recognition.

According to a statement by the Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, 14 people were involved in the accident.

“A total of 14 people were involved, of whom 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries,” he said.

Eyewitness reports suggest that the crash was caused by a tyre burst on one of the buses, which led to a loss of control and a head-on collision with the second bus.

The second vehicle was reportedly loaded with fabric, as both buses ignited on impact. Emergency responders, including the FRSC, police, and state fire service, arrived promptly at the scene.

The injured survivor was transported to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s morgue.

Dr. Ibitoye advised motorists to maintain their vehicles and drive cautiously, emphasizing the importance of road safety. He also urged passengers to report dangerous driving to prevent similar incidents in the future.This marks another reminder of the need for