16 Burnt To Death, 3 Injured In Ondo Auto Crash

Sixteen people lost their lives in a devastating auto crash in Ajue, a community along the Ore-Ondo highway in Ondo State.

Three other individuals sustained serious injuries, while two reportedly escaped unharmed.

According to Vanguard, the victims were burnt beyond recognition after a Toyota bus and a truck collided and caught fire around 8 p.m.

Eyewitnesses said the tragic incident was caused by a dangerous overtaking maneuver by one of the drivers, leading to a head-on collision that resulted in both vehicles bursting into flames.

There are allegations that one of the vehicles might have been carrying extra fuel, which could have triggered the fire.

When contacted, the Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ibitoye Samuel, confirmed the incident and stated that the rescue operation concluded around 11 p.m.

Ibitoye added that the cause of the accident is still under investigation, but preliminary findings suggest that overspeeding and reckless overtaking were likely factors.

He urged motorists to adopt defensive driving techniques and avoid taking unnecessary risks on the road.

Ibitoye also noted that overspeeding remains a leading cause of road accidents in Nigeria.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the mortuary at the State Specialists Hospital in Ondo town.