Auto Crash: 11 Dead in Ilorin-Jebba Road Accident

Road accidents claimed no less than 11 persons in the early hours of Tuesday along the Ilorin-Jebba express road, while seven others were severely injured.

The accident involving a Truck and 18-passenger Toyota Hiace bus occurred in Aiyere village along the Bode-Saadu-Ilorin route at about 4.50 am. Reports from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) reveal the accident’s cause was overtaking along the route.

In a statement issued by FRSC Public Relations Officer, Kwara Sector Command, Basambo Olayinka, said that,

“On receipt of the report of the crash, our operatives at the Help and Rescue Camp (which was established at Bode Saadu to fortify rescue operations during the ongoing end-of-year special patrol operations) were immediately mobilized to the crash scene for the rescue operation, which was carried out in conjunction with men of the Nigerian Police Force, Divisional Headquarter, Bode Saadu.”

Preliminary investigations revealed that the Toyota Hiace bus coming from the Gombe route to Lagos wrongfully overtook another vehicle, resulting in a head-on collision with an oncoming DAF Truck.

“A total of 18 people (male adult) were involved. 11 of them sadly lost their lives while seven others were rescued with varying degrees of injury and have been taken to Ifeoluwa Hospital, Bode Saadu, where they are currently receiving treatment.”

The statement said that the sector commander, Stephen Dawulung, has directed a full investigation into the crash, which has already commenced.

“The corps and Kwara State Command deeply sympathize with families of the dead and wish the injured quick recovery.”

Stephen, however, admonished drivers to drive within the stipulated speed limits and avoid night journeys and long hours of driving without adequate rest, which can result in fatigue, lack of alertness, poor visibility, and poor judgment, as these constitute high-risk factors that result to subsequent crashes resulting to high fatality.

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About The Author

Mayowa Durosinmi

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Mayowa Durosinmi is a Nigerian investigative reporter for West Africa Weekly with reports focusing on politics, human rights, security and health in West Africa and the Sahel region.

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