A traffic accident in Kwara State has claimed the lives of at least nine people.
The incident happened early Sunday morning in front of the Ilorin Airport on the Ilorin-Eyenkorin route.
According to Corps Commander Jonathan Owoade, Sector Commander, FRSC Kwara sector command, the accident happened about 08:00 a.m., involving a Toyota Hiace Bus with registration number AFN 06 YL and a Toyota Corolla saloon car with registration number LRN 787 FE, with 17 people on board.
According to eyewitnesses, the Toyota saloon car was driving out of the airport while the Lagos-bound Hiace Bus was speeding along the freeway before colliding and catching fire.
The nine people who died were alleged to have been burned beyond recognition, and their bodies were taken to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, while five men were injured in various ways and are being treated at the Ilorin General Hospital.
Three other males in the saloon car, on the other hand, were unharmed.
In response to the occurrence, the Sector Commander expressed regret that the accident could have been avoided and urged members of the public against driving recklessly.
Owoade also advised motorists to avoid driving with fuel inside jerricans in their vehicles.
He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and assured the public that the corps will continue to work hard to ensure that such tragic events do not occur on the roadways.
