Tragedy Strikes: 18 People Burnt to Death in Horror Crash on Ijebu-Ode/Benin Expressway
A devastating accident occurred on Monday afternoon, claiming the lives of at least 18 people and leaving one critically injured on the Ijebu-Ode/Benin expressway. The tragic incident involved a white Toyota Hiace bus, which caught fire after entering a failed section of the road, causing a keg of petrol to fall and pour onto the exhaust pipe.
According to eyewitness accounts, corroborated by the injured driver, the bus had been carrying a keg of petrol, which fell onto its side when the vehicle entered the failed portion of the road. The petrol poured onto the floor of the bus, eventually dripping onto the exhaust pipe and causing the vehicle to catch fire while in transit.
The driver, who was rushed to Rona Hospital for medical attention, is reportedly in critical condition. The 18 victims of the accident were pronounced dead at the scene and have been deposited at the State Hospital in Ijebu Ode.
The Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) has issued a warning to motorists, urging them to desist from carrying petrol in their vehicles due to the risks involved. The agency has also called on drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic regulations to prevent such tragedies from occurring.
In a separate incident, a Mazda bus with registration No JGB 330 ZT was involved in a crash around Ita Osu on Monday evening, leaving seven people injured. The accident was attributed to excessive speeding and a tyre burst, which caused the vehicle to somersault. The injured passengers were rescued at State Hospital in Ijaye Abeokuta.
The twin accidents have sent shockwaves through the community, with many calling for greater vigilance and caution on our roads.
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