Tragedy In Kwara: 15 perish in horrific highway collision

By Toba Ajayi

No fewer than 15 persons died in an auto crash at the Muslim Cemetery area on the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo corridor of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway, Kwara.

The Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Kabir Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen, on Monday in Ilorin.

Kazeem said that the fatal crash, which occurred at about 2:32 a.m., involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.

The sector commander said that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash, with 15 persons confirmed dead, 17 sustaining varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

He attributed the crash to driver fatigue, adding that the victims sustained fractures, dislocations and bruises.

Kazeem said that the injured victims were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.

He added that the bodies of the deceased had been handed over to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area in Kwara.

Kazeem said that the search for others who might have been trapped beneath the vehicle’s load was ongoing.

He added that the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel of RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and RS8.1 Kwara Command (Oko Olowo Outpost).

The FRSC boss said that the command would intensify public enlightenment through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders.

He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading, night travel and driving while fatigued.

NAN