Tragedy strikes in Kwara as 15 lives lost in fatal vehicle accident

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No fewer than 15 persons died in an auto crash at the Muslim Cemetery area on the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo corridor of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway, Kwara.

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The Kwara Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Mr Kabir Kazeem, confirmed the incident in a statement made available to newsmen, on Monday in Ilorin.

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Kazeem said that the fatal crash, which occurred at about 2.32am, involved a lone DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.

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The sector commander said that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash, with 15 persons confirmed dead, 17 sustaining varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

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He attributed the crash to driver fatigue, adding that the victims sustained fractures, dislocations and bruises.

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Kazeem said that the injured victims were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.

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He added that the bodies of the deceased had been handed over to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area in Kwara.

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Kazeem said that the search for others who might have been trapped beneath the vehicle’s load was ongoing.

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He added that the rescue operation was jointly carried out by personnel of RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and RS8.1 Kwara Command (Oko Olowo Outpost).

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The FRSC boss said that the command would intensify public enlightenment through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders.

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He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading, night travel and driving while fatigued. (NAN)

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