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File photo of accident scene
No fewer than 60 people were burnt to death in an auto crash at Oko-Olowo, along Ilorin-Jebba expressway, Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday.
Sources said the victims were traveling from northern part of the country.
According to an eyewitness, the auto crash occurred when a trailer carrying fertilizer and petrol laden truck collided while overtaking, resulting in inferno.
Another source informed that burnt skulls and other human parts like limbs were seen being burnt inside the affected vehicles, while others littered the screen of the accident.
An eyewitnesses, who said that victims were burnt beyond recognition, said it all happened at about 8:30 am on Friday, adding that the vehicles burnt for over two hours.
The accident caused serious traffic on the ever busy road, lasting through the period the state fire service staff evacuate the corpses at about 10:30 am.
An eyewitness, Sheu Arobadi, said that the trailer loaded with fertilizer tried to overtake petrol laden truck and the two vehicles collided on the sides, thus, resulting in inferno.
The eyewitness, who said that occupants on top of the trailer scampered for safety immediately the incident happened, added that so were the occupants of the truck carrying the fertilizer, who he said jumped from top of the vehicle to escape being caught up in the ensued flame.
“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 had been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention,” he said.
Arobadi, who lives in the area, said that road accident of different dimensions occurred at least once every week along the expressway, with heavy losses in lives and property.
Residents of the area called on government to find lasting solution to the frequent occurrence of crashes along the road, while suggesting construction of overhead bridge to check the development. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)
