Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
No fewer than 25 people have reportedly killed in a multiple auto crash at Peke village along Oko-Olowo-Bode Saadu Expressway in Moro Local Government Council of Kwara State.
The incident, according to THISDAY checks, happened on Tuesday night when a petrol tanker with registration number JJN 17 XW and an 18-seater bus collided following a dangerous overtaking.
It was learnt that the development led the petrol tanker to burst into flame and at the end of the day, about 25 persons were roasted to death while 15 people were rescued during the incident.
However, the spokesman of the State Fire Service, Mr. Hassan Adekunle, in a statement in Ilorin yesterday said 25 persons lost their lives in the auto crash, while 15 people were rescued with injuries.
He said: “Firemen worked diligently to quench the inferno, but unfortunately, 25 lives were lost and 15 people were rescued with injuries.
“Investigations revealed that the petrol tanker, traveling from Niger state, was using the wrong side of the road, resulting in a head-on collision with a heavy-duty truck from Lagos state.
“The collision ignited a fire that rapidly consumed both vehicles, also affecting the 18-seater bus from Lagos.”
Director of the State Fire Service Falade Olumuyiwa, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized the need for road users to prioritise safe driving practices.
