Tragedy struck on Monday along the Ijebu-Ode–Benin-Ore Expressway in Ogun State, where an auto crash led to the death of 18 passengers after the bus they were traveling in caught fire.
The accident occurred near the RCC yard axis in the Ijebu East local government area.
The incident involved a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number XA 690 AKU, which was reportedly speeding when it approached a damaged section of the road.
In an attempt to avoid the road defect, the driver lost control, causing a keg of petrol being transported inside the bus to fall. The petrol spilled onto the bus floor and eventually ignited after making contact with the vehicle’s exhaust pipe, leading to an explosion.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the bus was engulfed in flames while still in motion, leaving little chance for passengers to escape.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the accident through its Ogere Command.
According to Babatunde Akinbiyi, the spokesperson for TRACE, the victims were burned beyond recognition. The bus driver, who was partially burned, was rescued and taken to Rona Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for treatment.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the State Hospital Mortuary in Ijebu-Ode by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Akinbiyi stated, “Eyewitness accounts confirmed that the bus was carrying a keg of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) which spilled onto the bus floor after hitting the failed portion of the road. The fuel later dripped onto the exhaust pipe, causing the fire.”
Though the exact number of passengers was not immediately confirmed, other drivers on the expressway reported seeing the bus fully loaded before the tragic incident.
As of the time of the report, TRACE officials noted that the traffic congestion caused by the crash had been cleared, and normal vehicular movement had resumed on the expressway.
The authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially when transporting flammable materials, and to adhere to speed limits to avoid similar tragedies.
