At least 13 people were burnt to death in a tragic road accident that occurred on the Ikare-Akoko/Owo Road in Ondo State on Saturday, December 28, 2024. The incident took place at Abule Panu, just before Ose Bridge, along the Owo-Ikare highway, around 10:14 AM.
Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, confirmed the crash in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to Ibitoye, two buses were involved in the fatal accident, with a total of 14 people onboard. Tragically, 13 of the passengers were burnt beyond recognition, while only one person survived, albeit with serious injuries.
Eyewitnesses reported that the crash occurred when a bus traveling from the Ikare direction experienced a tyre burst, causing the driver to lose control. The bus then collided head-on with another bus loaded with fabric, which was coming from the Owo direction. Following the collision, both vehicles were engulfed in flames.
Emergency responders, including officials from the FRSC, Police, and Fire Service, arrived at the scene promptly and carried out rescue operations. The survivor was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Owo for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were taken to the morgue at the same hospital.
The FRSC Commander urged drivers to exercise caution on the roads and ensure their vehicles are properly maintained. He also encouraged passengers to report unsafe driving practices, stressing that road safety is a collective responsibility.
