By Damilare Adeleye
Thirteen bus passengers have reportedly been burnt to death in an auto crash that occurred at Abule Panu, Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
It was gathered that 14 people were involved in the crash but 13 of them were burnt beyond recognition while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
Ondo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Dr Samuel lbitoye, confirmed the incident in a statement released in Akure on Saturday.
Ibitoye said, “The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 am claimed thirteen (13) lives of commuters in two buses.
“A total of 14 people were involved out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicated that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to lost of control and a resultant head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went in flames.
“The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue.
Ibitoye added that “The injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo while the dead ones were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
The sector commander advised drivers “to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles while passengers are encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all.”
