FRSC blames driver fatigue for the early morning crash in Kwara, warns against night travel and mixed loading….
No fewer than 15 people lost their lives while 17 others sustained injuries in a fatal road accident that occurred in the early hours of Monday along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo section of the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash happened around 2:32 a.m. near the Muslim Cemetery and involved a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC.
According to the agency, the vehicle was carrying 48 male occupants when the accident occurred.
The FRSC disclosed that 15 persons died at the scene, while 17 others suffered varying degrees of injuries. Another 16 occupants escaped without injuries.
The injured victims sustained fractures, dislocations and bruises and were immediately evacuated to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.
Speaking on the incident, the FRSC Sector Commander in Kwara State, Kabiru Kazeem, identified driver fatigue as the likely cause of the crash.
He identified the driver as Nasiru Muhammed and urged motorists to avoid embarking on long-distance journeys without adequate rest.
Kazeem also confirmed that the remains of the deceased had been released to representatives of their families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area of the state for burial.
He disclosed that rescue teams continued search operations to ensure no victim remained trapped beneath the trailer’s load.
According to him, personnel from the FRSC Oloru Unit (RS8.15) and the Oko Olowo Outpost (RS8.1 Kwara Command) jointly carried out the rescue operation.
The sector commander said the command would intensify public awareness campaigns through town hall engagements with transport operators and community stakeholders to promote safer road use.
He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading, the practice of transporting passengers alongside goods in the same vehicle and to minimise night travel, stressing that both significantly increase the risk of fatal crashes.
