Thirteen people were burnt to death in a motor accident on the Owo-Ikare-Akoko highway in Ondo State on Saturday.
The crash which occurred at about 10:14 a.m. at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on the Owo-Ikare road claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Ondo State Sector Commander, Dr Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the accident and casualty figure in Akure.
Dr Ibitoye said, “A total of 14 people were involved, out of whom 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant of a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to the Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.