No fewer than five persons lost their lives while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a fatal road crash that occurred on Thursday in Ondo State.
LEADERSHIP learnt that the accident, which happened at Oyin Junction, after Ilu-Abo in Akure North Local Government Area, involved a Nissan Sunny car and a DAF tipper truck.
A source told our correspondent that the victims were on their way to the popular Ogbese Market, on the outskirts of Akure, to trade their goods before meeting their tragic end.
The Ondo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dr. Samuel Ibitoye, confirmed the accident when contacted.
Ibitoye attributed the cause of the crash to overspeeding by the drivers of both vehicles.
According to him, “Seven people were involved; five were killed – comprising one male adult, three female adults, and one female child – while two others were injured.”
The FRSC boss disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) by personnel from his team.
While lamenting the rising cases of avoidable accidents on major routes across the state, Ibitoye indicated that the command had intensified engagements with tipper drivers and other motorists along the Akure-Ogbese axis to promote safer driving practices.
His words: “It is becoming too frequent. We have been engaging with tipper drivers and will continue to do so. They must ensure proper vehicle maintenance to prevent crashes caused by mechanical faults.
“I urge motorists to adopt defensive driving techniques, especially during the Ember months. There is a need for road users to drive responsibly to safeguard lives and support national development.”
