AT least 12 people have reportedly lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle collision involving a trailer and another vehicle along the Oko Olowo axis of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway, Kwara State.
Eyewitnesses reveal that the crash occurred yesterday around 5:35 PM when a trailer (registration number AYE 218 XC) collided head-on with a motor vehicle (registration number TTN 556 XA). Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the accident.
Preliminary investigations suggest reckless driving and excessive speeding as contributing factors, though the exact cause is still under review.
Investigations show that one of the vehicles involved was transporting cows and human passengers from Ilorin, Kwara State, to Ogbomoso, Oyo State, while the trailer was travelling from Lagos to Kano.
Emergency responders and police officers from the Oloje Police Command quickly arrived at the scene, assisting in managing the situation and transporting injured victims to a nearby hospital.
Witnesses report that the deceased victims’ bodies were later retrieved by their families. A video shared by one of the rescuers revealed a fallen truck with over ten lifeless bodies scattered across the road.
FRSC Response
A senior official from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kwara State, who requested anonymity, said there were 15 fatalities and three injuries in the crash. FRSC Sector Commander Muftau Irekeola also confirmed the incident, noting, “It was a multiple accident involving a trailer and one Canter truck. I am still awaiting detailed reports from my team in the Olooru unit.”
The accident has once again sparked calls for government intervention to address frequent accidents on this notorious stretch of road, which has claimed several lives in recent times.