A tragic accident in Ogun State involved a Toyota Hiace with the registration number XA 690AKU. The incident resulted in the death of several passengers, who were burnt beyond recognition, while one other person sustained injuries.
The Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) confirmed the accident through their spokesperson, Babatunde Akinbiyi, in Abeokuta, the state capital.
Akinbiyi explained that the accident was caused by an inferno resulting from petroleum motor spirit (PMS) stored in a Jerry can inside the vehicle.
An eyewitness account, supported by the driver’s testimony, revealed that a keg full of Petroleum Motor Spirit was inside the bus. The keg fell onto its side when the vehicle reached a damaged section of the road.
Consequently, the PMS spilled onto the floor of the bus, eventually coming into contact with the exhaust pipe and igniting, which led to the vehicle catching fire while still in transit.
The driver, who was partially burnt and injured, was rescued and taken to Rona Hospital in Ijebu Ode. The deceased passengers were transported to the State Hospital Mortuary in Ijebu Ode.
In light of this tragedy, the public relations officer has urged drivers to avoid storing fuel in Jerry cans to prevent similar incidents. The officer also extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
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In a simiar incident Monday afternoon, Four persons reportedly burnt beyond recognition afternoon in an accident that occurred on the Sagamu/Benin expressway.
The statement reviewed by NaijaTimesUSA, issued by Federal Road Safety Corps Public Education Officer Florence Okpe, identified the crash as involving a white Toyota Hiace bus with the registration number XA690AKU.
It reads, “A rescue operation was carried out on Monday, 16th September, 2024, at RCC Area of Ogbere, by operatives of Ogbere Outpost, in a crash that occurred at about 1400hrs.
“The crash involved a White Toyota Hiace Bus with the registration number XA690AKU.
“A total of 18 people were involved which comprised of 08 Male Adults and 10 Female Adults . 01 Male Adult and 3 Female Adults were killed while 4 Male Adults, 4 Female Adults were injured ( burnt) while others were unhurt. The injured victims were taken to State Hospital, Ijebu – ode for medical attention, and the corpses were deposited at the State Hospital Morgue, Ijebu Ode.
“The suspected causes of the crash were fatigue and loss of control.”
The Sector Commander, Akinwumi Fasakin, advised motorists to ensure they have the maximum rest before embarking on a journey, he urged drivers to observe a 15 to 30 minutes rest after four hours driving.
