At least 30 passengers lost their lives in a fatal accident at Onipetesi, a well-known area along the Ore-Lagos highway in Ondo State’s Odigbo Local Government Area.
The crash, which occurred on Saturday, involved two commercial buses that collided while driving against traffic.
Eyewitnesses reported that the drivers were attempting to evade congestion when the high-speed collision occurred, resulting in a massive fire that claimed the lives of most passengers.
One of the witnesses, Bayo Adefarati, described the devastating scene, stating, “The two commercial buses collided and burst into flames, resulting in the deaths of the passengers. The drivers drove against traffic to avoid traffic on the road. And they were even at a high speed. Both vehicles were loaded with passengers. I counted 30 occupants, and two of them died while on the way to the hospital. It was the timely effort of the road safety and concern motorists that reduced the casualty figure. If not, we would have recorded more casualties.”
Confirming the tragic incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps Sector Commander in Ondo State, Samuel Ibitoye, released a statement on Sunday, putting the death toll at 30.
A total of 28 persons were burnt beyond recognition while two others died while being taken to the hospital for treatment, and two survivors are now receiving treatment, Mr. Ibitoye said.
He attributed the accident to driver impatience and recklessness, emphasizing that investigations confirmed both vehicles had driven against traffic.
He urged passengers to always speak out against dangerous driving practices and cautioned drivers to prioritize safety and proper vehicle maintenance.
The remains of the victims have been deposited at the hospital morgue.
