A tragic accident on the Ijebu-Ode/Ore expressway in Ogun State has claimed the lives of 18 passengers. The incident happened when a Toyota Hiace bus, registered as XA 690 AKU, caught fire and exploded. TRACE confirmed that the fire burnt all passengers beyond recognition, leaving only one survivor with injuries.
Explosion Triggered by Stored Fuel in Jerry Can
TRACE reported that petroleum motor spirit (PMS) stored in a Jerry can inside the bus caused the explosion. Babatunde Akinbiyi reported that the fire started when the vehicle hit a pothole. The impact caused a fuel-filled can to tip over. The spilled fuel then contacted the bus’s exhaust pipe. This contact led to a deadly fire that rapidly engulfed the entire vehicle.
Eyewitnesses Provide Insight into the Incident
Eyewitnesses and the driver confirmed that the accident was triggered by the condition of the road. The injured driver explained that the poor road condition caused the bus to hit a pothole, tipping fuel and sparking the explosion. This has brought attention to both road safety and the dangers of transporting fuel in vehicles.
Victims and Response to the Accident
Authorities quickly took the injured driver to Rona Hospital and transported the charred victims’ remains to the State Hospital Mortuary. Local authorities worked to contain the situation, but the scale of the tragedy has left many mourning. Akinbiyi expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and called for stricter safety measures.
Warning Issued to Drivers
In light of the accident, TRACE has issued a warning to all drivers, urging them to refrain from storing fuel in Jerry cans while travelling. The agency stressed that such practices increase the risk of fatal accidents, especially on poorly maintained roads. This tragic incident underscores the need for greater public awareness regarding vehicle safety and fuel transport.
Condolences and Calls for Road Safety Improvements
Families mourn the loss of their loved ones after the tragic accident. This tragedy highlights the risks of inadequate road maintenance. People are demanding better road safety measures on highways like the Ijebu-Ode/Ore expressway. These accidents are becoming more frequent, sparking widespread concern about travel safety.
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