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Black Sunday in Ondo as 11 Benin-bound passengers burn to death in fatal accident

The accident involved a luxury bus, otherwise known as “Marco Polo” and a heavy-duty truck on the busy Ore highway.

• January 29, 2023
Burnt Marcopolo
Burnt Marcopolo used to illustrate the story [Credit: Punch Newspapers]

No fewer than 11 persons have been burnt to death in a fatal motor accident which occurred on Sunday at Soka Bridge, in Ore, Ondo State, Peoples Gazette just learnt. 

The accident, it was gathered, involved a luxury bus, otherwise known as “Marco Polo” and a heavy-duty truck on the busy Ore highway. 

Several witnesses’ accounts revealed that the two vehicles collided as one of the drivers engaged in wrong-way driving. 

“The truck passed through one way and in the process collided with the bus which was coming to Benin road,” one of the witnesses who pleaded not to be mentioned told The Gazette. 

Sikiru Alonge, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Unit Commander in Ore, who confirmed the fatal motor accident in a telephone chat, said the driver of the vehicle lost concentration.

Mr Alonge added that the incident also caused traffic congestion along the route, noting that security operatives are on the ground to control the situation. 

“Eleven persons were burnt beyond recognition as the two vehicles went into flames but we have put off the fire as I speak. 

“Our men are also at the scene controlling the traffic on the busy Benin/Lagos lane,” he said. 

According to him, efforts are on top gear with other security agencies to remove crashed vehicles from the road.

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