Akure, Ondo State — Sixteen people tragically lost their lives in a devastating auto crash that occurred on Monday evening in Ajue, a community along the Ore-Ondo highway in Ondo State. The accident, which involved a Toyota bus and a truck, resulted in a fiery explosion that claimed the lives of the victims, burning them beyond recognition.
Three additional passengers sustained serious injuries, while two others miraculously escaped the incident unscathed. The crash, which took place around 8 p.m., has left the community in shock as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.
Eyewitness Account and Possible Cause
Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that a dangerous overtaking maneuver by one of the drivers led to a head-on collision between the two vehicles. The impact caused both vehicles to burst into flames, trapping the passengers inside.
One witness suggested that the fire might have been exacerbated by a fuel container that was possibly stored inside one of the vehicles. This allegation, however, remains unconfirmed as investigations continue.
Official Response and Ongoing Investigation
The Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ibitoye Samuel, confirmed the incident and stated that the rescue operation concluded around 11 p.m. He noted that preliminary investigations pointed to overspeeding and wrongful overtaking as likely causes of the accident.
“Overspeeding remains a major cause of road accidents in Nigeria,” Ibitoye emphasized, urging drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies.
The remains of the deceased have been transported to the mortuary at the state Specialist Hospital in Ondo town, where efforts are being made to identify them. The three injured survivors are receiving medical attention, while authorities continue their investigation to uncover more details about the crash.
Community in Mourning
The Ajue community and surrounding areas are in mourning following the tragic loss of life. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving and the urgent need for stricter enforcement of road safety measures across the country.
Authorities have pledged to conclude their investigation swiftly and take necessary actions to prevent a recurrence of such a devastating event. The public is urged to remain cautious on the roads and report any reckless driving behavior to the appropriate authorities.
