Tragedy struck on Wednesday afternoon as four individuals lost their lives in a fatal auto crash along the Ilorin-Bode Saadu highway in Kwara state.
The incident, involving two DAF trucks near Ayere village, Moro local government area, resulted in a devastating inferno, consuming both vehicles.
According to reports, the collision was triggered by wrongful overtaking, leading to a catastrophic chain of events. The state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident, indicating that a total of 10 individuals were involved. Among them, five sustained injuries of varying severity, while four tragically succumbed to the accident.
Preliminary investigations by FRSC revealed that one of the trucks, transporting fertilizer and carrying eight passengers, recklessly attempted to overtake another vehicle without clear visibility of the road ahead. In a desperate bid to avoid a collision with an oncoming truck, it lost control and veered off course, colliding with another truck laden with tomatoes.
FRSC’s Sector Public Education Officer, Olayinka Basambo, stated that emergency responders swiftly extinguished the blaze and cleared obstructions to restore traffic flow. Rescue operatives promptly transported the injured to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital for medical treatment upon receiving the distress call around 1:09 pm.
The Sector Commander of FRSC, Stephen Dawulung, has initiated a thorough investigation to identify factors contributing to the tragedy and prevent future occurrences. Expressing condolences to the bereaved families, Dawulung urged drivers to exercise caution, refrain from speeding, overloading, and engaging in reckless overtaking maneuvers.
As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, the FRSC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety of all road users in Kwara state and beyond.
