No fewer than 15 people have lost their lives in a lone road crash involving a trailer along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo route of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the accident occurred at about 2:32 a.m. on Monday near the Muslim cemetery and involved a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC.
According to the FRSC, a total of 48 male occupants were involved in the crash. Fifteen persons died, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 others escaped unhurt.
The corps said the victims suffered injuries including fractures, dislocations and bruises, attributing the accident to driver fatigue.
The FRSC Sector Commander in Kwara State, Kabiru Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Muhammed. He disclosed that the injured victims had been taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
Kazeem added that the bodies of the deceased had been released to representatives of the victims’ families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area.
He also revealed that rescue workers were still searching for additional victims believed to be trapped beneath the trailer’s load.
According to him, the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel from RS8.15 Oloru and RS8.1 Kwara (Oko Olowo Outpost).
The sector commander said the command would intensify public awareness campaigns through town hall meetings with stakeholders to promote road safety. He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading of passengers and goods, as well as unnecessary night travel, to reduce the risk of road accidents.