60 people burnt to death in auto crash
At least 60 people lost their lives in a fatal vehicle accident on the Ilorin-Jebba expressway in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday.
Sources said the victims were traveling from the northern part of the country.
According to a witness, the auto crash occurred when a trailer carrying fertilizer and petrol laden truck collided while overtaking, resulting in inferno.
Another source said that burnt skulls and other human parts like limbs were seen being burnt inside the affected vehicles, while others littered the scene of the accident.
Witnesses, who said that victims were burnt beyond recognition, said it all happened about 8:30 am on Friday, adding that the vehicles burnt for over two hours.
The accident caused serious traffic on the ever busy road, lasting through the period the state fire service staff members evacuated the corpses about 10:30 am.
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A witness, Sheu Arobadi, said that the trailer loaded with fertilizer tried to overtake a petrol-laden truck and the two vehicles collided on the sides, thus, resulting in inferno.
The witness, who said that occupants on top of the trailer scampered for safety immediately the incident happened, added that so were the occupants of the truck carrying the fertilizer, who he said jumped from the top of the vehicle to escape being caught up in the ensued flame.
“Many of the people suffered broken legs and arms as they were jumping down from the vehicles. A father had to throw one of his children out of the burning vehicles before he could also jump down. Those who sustained injuries and fractures had been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention,” he said.
Arobadi, who lives in the area, said that road accidents of different dimensions occurred at least once every week on the expressway, with heavy losses in life and property.
Residents of the area called on government to find lasting solution to the frequent occurrence of crashes on the road, while suggesting construction of overhead bridge to check the development.
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