15 Killed, 17 others injured in early morning auto crash in Kwara
Tragic Accident Claims 15 Lives in Kwara State
ILORIN, Nigeria — At least 15 individuals were killed and 17 others seriously injured in a severe traffic accident involving a trailer on the Ogbomoso-Oloru highway early Monday morning in the Oko-Olowo area of Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 2:32 a.m. near the Muslim Cemetery. A DAF XF trailer, registered as GWL 274 XC and driven by Nasiru Muhammed, was involved in the crash, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Kwara Sector Command.
A report from the FRSC revealed that a total of 48 male occupants were present in the trailer at the time of the accident. While 15 were pronounced dead at the scene, 17 sustained various injuries including fractures and bruises. Sixteen individuals reportedly emerged from the incident without injury.
The FRSC attributed the crash to driver fatigue, noting that emergency responders reached the site within five minutes of the initial distress call.
The injured victims were transported to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for medical attention. The bodies of the deceased were subsequently released to their families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko-Olowo for burial.
In a statement issued on Monday, Taofeek Sanusi indicated that rescue operations were collaboratively executed by personnel from the FRSC Oloru Unit Command and the Oko-Olowo outpost, with efforts ongoing to locate additional victims who may be trapped under the trailer’s load.
Kwara Sector Commander Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem visited the crash site to oversee the rescue and recovery operations. He emphasized the importance of implementing measures to prevent similar accidents in the future, including enhancing public awareness through town hall meetings with key stakeholders.
Kazeem advised motorists against mixed loading and traveling at night, highlighting that driver fatigue is a leading cause of fatal road accidents.