Tragedy strikes as 30 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
No fewer than 30 persons on Sunday were burnt to death in an auto crash, which occurred in the Onipetesi area of Mile 49 on the Ore-Lagos Road in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.
According to reports, the devastating road accident occurred when the drivers of two commercial buses heading for the eastern part of the country drove against the traffic and had a head-on collision, bursting into flames.
Several eyewitnesses said the passengers were burnt beyond recognition while two others died on their way to the hospital.
One of the witnesses, Ms Precision Oluwatuyi, said the drivers were impatient.
“The two commercial buses collided and burst into heavy flames, resulting in the deaths of the passengers. The drivers drove the wrong way to avoid traffic on the road. And they were even on a high speed.
“Both vehicles were loaded with passengers. I counted 28 of the occupants, and two others died on their way to the hospital to receive treatment following heavy injuries,” she said.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, while confirming the incident, said the victims were burnt beyond recognition, adding that the accident was caused by excessive speeding and traffic violation, which led to the head-on collision.
While warning drivers against overspeeding and traffic violations, he said drivers must always exercise patience on the highway, urging passengers to also caution drivers against reckless driving.
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According to him, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital in Ore while the two survivors who sustained different degrees of injuries were at the same hospital for treatment.
“30 passengers lost their lives tragically. Unfortunately, they were burnt beyond recognition in the fatal accident caused by excessive speeding and traffic violations.
“The contract between drivers and passengers is to take them safely to their destinations after they have paid not to drive them to their graves.
“This is why everyone must participate in road safety. The passengers, too, have a role to play by cautioning drivers or reporting them to FRSC personnel on the highway.
“We appeal to our drivers to always exercise patience on the highway to reduce crashes to safe lives and property,” Ibitoye added.
Source: Daily Trust
