A tragic motor accident on the Owo/Ikare highway in Ondo State has resulted in the deaths of 13 passengers who were burned beyond recognition.
The incident occurred at Abule Panu on Saturday, when two vehicles collided after a tyre burst led to one of the drivers losing control.
Eyewitnesses reported that 14 people were involved in the crash, with one survivor sustaining serious injuries.
The victims were reportedly traveling for the yuletide season when the accident took place.
Samuel Ibitoye, the Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), confirmed the incident in a statement, attributing it to reckless driving.
He explained that the vehicle coming from Ikare experienced a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control and crash head-on into another vehicle that was transporting fabric from Owo.
The crash, which occurred at approximately 10:14 am, left 13 passengers dead and the survivor severely injured. FRSC, Police, and Fire Service personnel quickly responded to the scene to assist.
The injured passenger was taken to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo, while the bodies of the deceased were also transported to the same hospital’s morgue.
Ibitoye urged drivers to be cautious on the roads, maintain their vehicles, and avoid dangerous driving practices.
He also encouraged passengers to speak out against reckless driving to help improve road safety.
