16 People Burnt to Death in Ogun Bus Accident, FRSC Says Explosion Caused By Filled Gas Cylinders
Olufemi Orunsola
No fewer than 16 persons were burnt to death beyond recognition during a
devastating accident which occurred on Tuesday in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, of which, transportation of filled gas cylinder was fingered as the cause of the explosion by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that the fatal crash was a lone accident involving a white Mazda bus with registration number Oyo, KJA 949 YJ, and took place around the Muhammadu Buhari Estate along the Sagamu/Abeokuta expressway.
According to the FRSC, the accident was caused by a fire outbreak in the vehicle, which was exacerbated by a filled gas cylinder being transported in the bus, leading to a massive, uncontrollable explosion that claimed the lives of the victims.
Confirming the sad news, Florence Okpe, the Ogun State Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), affirmed that the explosive accident happened in Abeokuta.
In her words, "A fatal crash occurred at Buhari Estate, along the Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, Abeokuta, Ogun State, this afternoon at about 1300hrs."
Okpe reported that 21 people were involved in the crash, with 16 fatalities while 3 sustained varying degrees of injuries.
OTN News further gathered that only the driver of the bus survived the accident.
The victims' genders could not be ascertained due to the severity of the burns.
In the statement, Okpe revealed that the Sector Commander, CC Akinwumi Fasakin, had responded promptly by moving to the accident scene with his team for rescue operations.
He, however expressed disappointment and frustration with the occurrence, attributing it to the TV driver's carelessness.
Fasakin emphasized the importance of transporting highly flammable items with caution and using designated vehicles driven by trained drivers.
He joined in clearing the obstruction to ensure free-flowing traffic and advised motorists and passengers to prioritize safety while using the roads.
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for God's comfort during this difficult time.
Meanwhile the driver of the ill-fated bus has been detained at state MTD Ibara.
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