A devastating auto crash occurred on Friday at Oko-Olowo, on Ilorin-Jebba expressway, Ilorin, Kwara State, claiming the lives of at least 60 people. The victims were traveling from the northern part of the country when the accident occurred.

According to eyewitnesses, the crash happened when a trailer carrying fertilizer and a petrol-laden truck collided while overtaking, resulting in a massive inferno. “The trailer loaded with fertilizer tried to overtake petrol-laden truck and the two vehicles collided on the sides, thus, resulting in inferno,” said Sheu Arobadi, a witness.

Arobadi described the chaotic scene, saying, “Many of the people suffered broken legs and arms as they were jumping down from the vehicles. A father had to throw one of his children out of the burning vehicles before he could also jump down.” Those who sustained injuries and fractures were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention.

The accident caused a serious traffic jam on the busy road, lasting for hours. The state fire service staff members eventually evacuated the corpses around 10:30 am. Witnesses said that the victims were burnt beyond recognition, with burnt skulls and human parts littering the scene of the accident.

Residents of the area are calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the frequent occurrence of crashes on the road. They suggest constructing an overhead bridge to check the development. Arobadi noted that road accidents occur at least once a week on the expressway, resulting in heavy losses of life and property.