Tragedy struck today on the Owo-Ikare highway as a fatal road crash claimed 13 lives at Abule Panu, just before Ose Bridge. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Command, confirmed the incident, which occurred around 10:14 AM, involving two buses.
Out of the 14 people involved in the crash, 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while one passenger was rescued alive but sustained serious injuries.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident was triggered by a tire burst on a bus traveling from Ikare, leading to a loss of control and a head-on collision with another bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo. The impact caused both vehicles to erupt in flames, resulting in the high casualty count.
Rescue efforts by FRSC officials, the police, and the fire service were swift. The injured survivor was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the charred remains of the deceased were deposited at the same hospital’s morgue.
Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, expressed deep regret over the incident and urged drivers to prioritize vehicle maintenance and adopt safer driving practices. “Passengers must also speak out against reckless driving because road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” he emphasized.
This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the need for caution and vigilance on Nigeria’s roads, especially during the busy holiday season
