Tragic Auto Accident Claims 13 Lives, Leaves One Injured in Ondo
A devastating road accident on the Ikare-Akoko/Owo Road in Ondo State on Saturday, December 28, 2024, resulted in the loss of 13 lives, with one person left critically injured.
Samuel Ibitoye, the State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Akure, the state capital.
The crash occurred around 10:14 AM at Abule Panu, just before the Ose Bridge, along the Owo-Ikare highway. Two buses were involved in the fatal accident, which led to 13 fatalities. The victims were burnt beyond recognition, with only one survivor who sustained severe injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus traveling from the Ikare direction experienced a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. This resulted in a head-on collision with another bus carrying fabric, which was coming from the Owo direction. Both vehicles immediately erupted into flames.
Emergency responders, including FRSC personnel, police, and fire service units, arrived quickly at the scene to carry out rescue operations. The injured survivor was transported to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue at the same hospital.
Ibitoye urged drivers to be more cautious on the roads, maintain their vehicles, and drive with patience. He also called on passengers to speak out against reckless driving, highlighting the importance of road safety as a collective responsibility.
