In Kwara State , a devastating incident shook Peke village along the Oko-Olowo area of the Ilorin/Bode-Saadu/Jebba express road on Tuesday, resulting in the loss of at least 25 lives and leaving 15 others critically injured. The catastrophic event was triggered by a harrowing collision involving a petrol tanker, a heavy-duty truck, and an 18-seater bus.
The Catastrophic Collision: Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses detailed the sequence of events that led to the catastrophic blaze. The petrol tanker, en route from Niger State, was reportedly traveling on the wrong side of the road when it collided head-on with a heavy-duty truck from Lagos State . The collision proved catastrophic, setting off an inferno that engulfed the tanker, the truck, and tragically extended its reach to the 18-seater bus also traveling from Lagos.
The flames quickly ravaged the vehicles, trapping several individuals inside and claiming the lives of 25 victims, with 15 others sustaining severe injuries. The intensity of the fire made rescue operations challenging, resulting in a heart-wrenching scene of devastation.
Official Statements: Authorities Confirm the Tragedy In Kwara State
Mr. Stephen Dawulung, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps , confirmed the tragic accident, emphasizing the need for comprehensive details to understand the full scope of the disaster. Meanwhile, Mr. John Falade, the Kwara State Director of Fire Service, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, highlighting the critical importance of adhering to safety measures on the roads. The fire service responded promptly to the blaze but faced a grim outcome despite their dedicated efforts.
Urgent Call for Safe Driving Practices
In the wake of this calamitous event, authorities have issued stern warnings to drivers and road users, emphasizing the paramount importance of safe driving practices. The tragic outcome serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of reckless driving, urging all individuals to prioritize safety on the roads to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents from occurring in the future. The community mourns the irreplaceable loss of lives and stands united in advocating for safer road behaviors to avert similar tragedies.
Rising Road Fatalities Plague Nigeria in the First Half of 2023
In a startling revelation, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) disclosed that Nigeria grappled with a grim toll of road accidents, resulting in the loss of 4,387 lives during the initial six months of 2023. This staggering figure translates to an average of 731 fatalities per month, signifying an alarming rate of approximately 24 lives lost daily. The Corps, headed by Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, brought attention to these distressing statistics during an interview with the News Agency Of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
The FRSC’s data highlighted a nationwide epidemic as road crashes spanned all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Despite a decline in road accidents involving trucks and tankers, a concerning surge in fatalities was observed, accentuating the severity of select accidents during this period.
Kazeem attributed these tragic incidents to a multitude of factors, encompassing night-time travel, driver fatigue, disregard for road regulations, perilous overtaking maneuvers, utilization of worn-out or expired tires, and excessive speeding. Of particular concern was the prevalence of accidents during nighttime hours, exploiting the absence of stringent law enforcement.
The Corps Officer underscored the pivotal role of untrained or inadequately trained drivers as a contributing factor to the mounting fatalities. Through comprehensive investigations, the FRSC established this insight, highlighting the urgent need for improved training and experience among drivers to curb the rising toll of road mishaps.
FRSC’s Vigorous Strategies Aimed at Mitigating Road Accidents
In response to the alarming statistics, Kazeem outlined a multifaceted approach undertaken by the FRSC to address these grave concerns. One significant initiative involved enhancing safety measures within Tank Farms, ensuring strict compliance with safety protocols for tankers transporting inflammable products.
Moreover, while acknowledging the increased adoption of mandatory speed limit device installation, Kazeem stressed the need for comprehensive compliance. The FRSC pledged to intensify its efforts, conducting specialized patrols to impound vehicles owned by non-compliant individuals, thus compelling them to rectify the violations.
In a proactive move to curtail the loss of lives on the roads, the FRSC engaged truck owners, emphasizing the necessity of equipping vehicles with functional onboard cameras for continuous monitoring of driver activities. Additionally, the Corps intensified its efforts to install safety valves in tankers, aiming to prevent spillage in the event of a crash. These initiatives signify the FRSC’s concerted efforts to staunch the rising tide of road accidents and their deadly consequence
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