In a devastating incident that has left the community in mourning, 30 people lost their lives in a fatal road accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway at Onipetesi community in Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State. The accident, which occurred on Saturday evening, involved two commercial buses that collided head-on and burst into flames, leaving all passengers burnt beyond recognition.
The Ondo Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the tragic event on Sunday, revealing that preliminary investigations indicated one of the vehicles was driving against traffic. The Sector Commander, Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, provided details of the incident, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies in the future.
A Scene of Horror: Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses at the scene described a harrowing sight, with the two buses engulfed in flames shortly after the collision. One eyewitness recounted the moment the accident occurred, stating, “We were nearby when we heard a very loud sound. On reaching the scene, we saw two vehicles that had collided, already burning, while some people inside were struggling to escape.”
Despite the efforts of bystanders and the swift response of FRSC officers, the intensity of the fire made it impossible to save anyone trapped inside the vehicles. The eyewitness added, “Shortly after, FRSC officers arrived at the scene and rushed the only two survivors to the hospital. However, we later learnt that they also died.”
FRSC Confirms Grim Details
According to Mr. Samuel Ibitoye, the Sector Commander of the FRSC, the accident claimed the lives of all 30 passengers involved. “Twenty-eight persons were burnt beyond recognition, while two initially survived but later died on their way to the hospital,” he said.
The preliminary investigation revealed that one of the buses was driving against traffic, a dangerous and illegal practice that significantly increases the risk of accidents. The collision caused both vehicles to burst into flames, leaving no chance for survival for those inside.
A Call for Caution and Compliance
In the wake of the tragedy, the FRSC has issued a stern warning to motorists, urging them to drive with caution and adhere to traffic rules and regulations. Mr. Ibitoye emphasized the importance of responsible driving, particularly on busy expressways like the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode route.
“This tragic incident underscores the need for all motorists to obey traffic laws and avoid reckless behaviors such as driving against traffic. Such actions not only endanger the lives of the drivers but also put passengers and other road users at risk,” he said.
The Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway: A Dangerous Stretch
The Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway is a major highway connecting several states in southwestern Nigeria. However, it has gained notoriety for frequent accidents, often caused by reckless driving, poor road conditions, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws.
The latest accident has reignited calls for improved safety measures on the expressway, including better road maintenance, increased presence of law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of traffic violations.
The Human Cost of Reckless Driving
The loss of 30 lives in a single accident is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Families and communities are left to grieve the sudden and tragic loss of loved ones, while survivors and witnesses are left traumatized by the horrific scene.
The incident also highlights the broader issue of road safety in Nigeria, where thousands of lives are lost annually due to preventable accidents. According to the FRSC, speeding, overloading, and driving against traffic are among the leading causes of road crashes in the country.
A Plea for Collective Responsibility
While the FRSC and other agencies work to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety, there is a growing recognition that addressing the issue requires collective responsibility. Motorists, passengers, and policymakers must all play a role in creating safer roads.
“We cannot continue to lose lives to preventable accidents. It is the responsibility of every road user to prioritize safety and make conscious efforts to reduce the risk of accidents,” said a road safety advocate.
Moving Forward: Steps to Prevent Future Tragedies
In response to the accident, the FRSC has announced plans to intensify patrols and enforcement on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway. The agency is also collaborating with state governments and other stakeholders to address the root causes of accidents, including poor road infrastructure and inadequate signage.
Additionally, the FRSC is calling for stricter penalties for traffic violations, particularly for drivers who engage in dangerous practices such as driving against traffic. The agency believes that a combination of enforcement, education, and infrastructure improvements can help reduce the frequency of accidents on Nigerian roads.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The tragic accident on the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway is a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address road safety in Nigeria. As the community mourns the loss of 30 lives, there is a renewed sense of urgency to take decisive action to prevent similar incidents in the future.
By adhering to traffic rules, promoting responsible driving, and investing in road infrastructure, we can work together to create safer roads and protect the lives of all Nigerians. The time to act is now—before another life is lost to preventable accidents.
