A tragic road accident on Tuesday night claimed the lives of sixteen individuals along the busy Ore-Ondo highway in the Ajue area of Odigbo Local Government Area, Ondo State.
The accident occurred when an 18-seater Toyota Hiace passenger bus collided head-on with a heavy-duty truck, igniting a fierce blaze that engulfed the bus and trapped passengers inside.
The fatal crash, which left three others injured, unfolded under harrowing circumstances as the commercial bus, travelling at high speed, attempted to overtake another vehicle.
According to eyewitness accounts, the driver’s manoeuvre led to a direct collision with the oncoming truck, resulting in a catastrophic impact that triggered an immediate fire.
“The driver of the bus was speeding excessively when he tried to overtake a vehicle in front of him,” an eyewitness reported. “As he attempted the overtaking, it became clear he wouldn’t make it in time to avoid the truck coming from the opposite direction.
The collision was so severe that the bus caught fire instantly, trapping many passengers inside with no chance of escape.”
The scene was described as chaotic, with flames quickly engulfing the bus, leaving little room for rescue efforts.
Witnesses and first responders struggled to manage the fire as it raged, severely hampering any immediate attempts to save those trapped within the vehicle.
Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ondo State, Samuel Ibitoye, attributed the accident primarily to over-speeding and reckless overtaking by the bus driver.
Ibitoye stressed the critical importance of defensive driving, particularly on highways notorious for heavy traffic and unpredictable conditions.
“Speed limits are there for a reason, and this tragic accident is a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring them,” Ibitoye said.
“Drivers must not only obey speed limits but also stay vigilant and be fully aware of other vehicles on the road. Defensive driving is crucial, especially when considering overtaking manoeuvres that could potentially end in disaster.”
Ibitoye also detailed the grim aftermath of the collision, highlighting that only two individuals survived the ordeal.
He praised the efforts of the emergency services who responded to the scene, noting that the rescue operation continued late into the night, concluding at around 11:00 p.m.
“The rescue team did their best under extremely challenging conditions,” Ibitoye added. “Unfortunately, the severity of the fire and the intensity of the collision meant that many lives were lost almost instantly.”
This tragic incident serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the need for stricter adherence to road safety measures.
The Ore-Ondo highway, known for its heavy traffic and high incidence of accidents, has long been a concern for road safety officials.
The FRSC has repeatedly emphasised the importance of speed regulation, vehicle maintenance, and driver awareness as key strategies to reduce road fatalities in the state.
In response to the accident, road safety advocates have called for renewed efforts to educate drivers on the dangers of high-speed driving and improper overtaking.
There are also calls for increased enforcement of traffic laws, including the deployment of speed monitoring devices and enhanced patrols along high-risk routes such as the Ore-Ondo highway.
As the community mourns the loss of sixteen lives, questions are being raised about the broader implications of road safety management in the region.
Local authorities are being urged to consider implementing more stringent measures, such as the installation of additional road safety signage and the creation of designated overtaking zones, to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The tragic collision on the Ore-Ondo highway is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the critical importance of road safety.
It underscores the need for a collective commitment from all road users—drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike—to adhere to safety protocols, exercise caution, and prioritise the well-being of everyone on the road.
The loss of sixteen lives in a single accident is a poignant call to action, compelling all stakeholders to redouble their efforts in the ongoing fight to make Nigerian roads safer for all.
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