By Adeboye Ado

No fewer than 13 people have lost their lives in a tragic road accident that occurred on Saturday along the Owo-Ikare road in Ondo State.

Confirming the incident in a statement, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in the state, Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, said 14 people were involved in the crash, but only one person was rescued.

The statement read, “The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today, 28 December 2024, at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash, which occurred at about 10:14 AM, claimed the lives of thirteen (13) 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.

“As of press time, eyewitnesses indicated that the bus coming from the Ikare axis suffered a tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control, resulting in a head-on collision with a bus loaded with fabric coming from the Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses were engulfed in flames. The men of FRSC, Police, and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue.

“The injured victim was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

“Drivers are advised to exercise patience on the roads and to properly maintain their vehicles, while passengers are encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving, as road safety is a concern for all.”