Eight persons have reportedly lost their lives in a ghastly auto accident at Oke Onigbin, along Omu-Aran-Ilorin road in the Irepodun local government area of Kwara on Friday evening.
The state sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Stephen Dawulung, confirmed the death through a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Sector, SRC Busari Basambo.
“A fatal road traffic crash occured on Friday evening, at Oke Onigbin, along Omu-Aran-Ilorin road, Irepodun local government area of Kwara state, at 7:40 p.m.
“The accident involved a Mack Trailer and a Mitsubishi bus,” Basambo stated.
Commander Dawulung said that immediately after they received the report of the crash, FRSC standby rescue team at Omuaran Unit Command was immediately mobilised to the scene, for rescue.
“Preliminary investigations by our men revealed that the Mitsubishi space wagon (enroute to Ilorin) while overtaking a bus, collided with an oncoming Mack Trailer.
“It resulted to the death of 8 persons on the spot, 1 male adult, 3 female adults and 4 children, while 6 others sustained various degrees of injuries,” PRO said.
The Sector Commander said that the victims were conveyed to Ajisafe Hospital Omuaran for medical attention, while the eight corpses were deposited at the Mortuary of Adeyemo Hospital, Omuaran.
He said that further investigation revealed that the crash was caused by speed, wrongful overtaking and poor visibility.
Dawulung said that all obstructions relating to the crash had been cleared and traffic flow reinstated, however, sympathised with families of the dead and wished the injured quick recovery.
The Sector Commander admonish drivers to avoid night journey, speed and ensure they take a rest for 30 minutes after every 4 hours driving.
“This is to avoid the chances of being involved in crashes as a result of poor visibility, fatigue, short sleep and lack of proper vehicle control.
“The highest level of caution and concentration must be exercised while driving,” it stated.
Dawulung said that investigation officers had commenced full professional investigation into the crash, for remedial measures.
He reiterated that FRSC would continue to discharge its responsibilities towards enhancement of road traffic safety.
“This is by deepening our enforcements against road traffic infractions, public enlightenment and prompt rescue of road traffic crash victims,” it stated.
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