Tragedy struck in Kwara State as eleven lives were lost in a fatal road accident on Tuesday, with seven others sustaining serious injuries. The incident involved a heavy truck and a Toyota Hiace passenger bus and took place at Aiyere along the Bode Saadu-Ilorin highway at approximately 4:50 am. The cause of the accident was attributed to both wrongful overtaking and speed violation.
The Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ilorin reported, “Upon receiving the crash report, our operatives at the Help and Rescue Camp, stationed at Bode Saadu for the ongoing end of year special patrol operations, swiftly responded to the scene. The rescue operation was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Police Force, Divisional Headquarter, Bode Saadu.”
Initial investigations revealed that the fatal collision occurred when a Toyota Hiace bus, traveling from Gombe to Lagos, wrongfully overtook another vehicle, leading to a head-on collision with an oncoming DAF Truck.
Of the 18 male adults involved, 11 lost their lives in the tragic accident, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injury and were promptly taken to Ifeoluwa Hospital Bode Saadu for treatment,” the statement confirmed.
The sector commander, Stephen Dawulung, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the crash, which is already underway.
Dawulung extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished a swift recovery to the injured.
He advised drivers to adhere to speed limits, avoid nighttime travel, and take sufficient rest during long hours of driving to prevent fatigue, lack of alertness, poor visibility, and impaired judgement – all of which significantly contribute to fatal accidents.
The Kwara Sector Command assured the public that they will continue to fulfill their primary duty of preventing road traffic accidents with utmost proficiency and professionalism, ensuring the safety of all road users in Kwara State.
