At least 15 people have died in a road crash at the Muslim Cemetery area along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo stretch of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
The Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Kabir Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to journalists on Monday in Ilorin.
Kazeem said the crash happened at about 2:32 a.m. and involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.
He said 48 male passengers were involved in the crash. Fifteen were confirmed dead, 17 suffered different injuries, while 16 escaped without injuries.
According to Kazeem, driver fatigue caused the crash. He said the victims suffered fractures, dislocations and bruises.
He said those injured were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
Kazeem added that the bodies of those who died had been released to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
He also said the search was still ongoing for anyone who might have been trapped beneath the truck’s load.
According to him, the rescue operation was carried out jointly by personnel of the RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and the RS8.1 Kwara Command (Oko Olowo Outpost).
Kazeem said the FRSC command would step up public awareness through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders.
He also urged motorists to avoid mixed loading, night travel and driving when tired.
