Many people were burnt to death on Friday in a tragic auto crash at Oko-Olowo along the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Unconfirmed reports say at least 60 people lost their lives in the accident. The victims were said to be travelling from the northern part of the country when the crash happened.
It was gathered that the accident occurred when a trailer carrying fertiliser collided with a petrol-laden truck while trying to overtake. The impact led to an explosion, causing a huge fire.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrible, with burnt skulls and body parts visible inside the vehicles. Some victims were burnt beyond recognition, and many others were reduced to ashes.
The crash, which happened around 8:30 am, left both sides of the road blocked for hours as the fire raged. No vehicles could pass until the fire was put out.
Officials from the Kwara State Fire Service arrived at the scene around 10:30 am to extinguish the flames.
An eyewitness, Sheu Arobadi, explained how the crash happened.
“The trailer loaded with fertiliser was trying to overtake the petrol truck, and they collided. Immediately, there was a big fire. People on top of the trailer and truck jumped off to escape the flames,” he said.
Arobadi also described how some victims managed to survive.
“A father threw his child out of the burning vehicle before jumping down himself. Many people broke their legs and arms while trying to escape,” he added.
He said those who sustained injuries were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Residents in the area have called on the government to address the frequent accidents on the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway.
“We have accidents here almost every week. The government should build an overhead bridge to stop these crashes,” Arobadi said.
Authorities have yet to release an official statement on the number of casualties, but investigations are ongoing.
