By Daily Review Online
A tragic road accident has claimed the lives of at least 15 people along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo section of the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
The crash, which occurred around 2:32 a.m. on Monday at the Muslim Cemetery area, involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.
Confirming the incident, the Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Kabir Kazeem, said the truck was carrying 48 male occupants. Fifteen people died in the crash, while 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries and 16 escaped unhurt.
Kazeem attributed the accident to driver fatigue, noting that the injured victims suffered fractures, dislocations and bruises. They were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
He said the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area.
According to the FRSC commander, rescue teams were still searching for possible victims trapped beneath the truck’s load. The operation was jointly conducted by personnel of the RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and the RS8.1 Kwara Command (Oko Olowo Outpost).
Kazeem added that the FRSC would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through town hall meetings with stakeholders and urged motorists to avoid mixed loading, night journeys and driving while fatigued.