In a tragic incident reported by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 13 individuals lost their lives, and two sustained injuries in a fatal auto crash in Kogi. The Kogi FRSC Sector Commander, Mr Samuel Oyedeji, revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the devastating event occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on Sunday.
The accident, involving a commercial Sharon bus and an articulated cement truck, took place at Obajana Market along Obajana-Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi. Mr. Oyedeji explained that the Sharon bus had stopped behind a truck in the market for passengers to make purchases when the cement truck, due to brake failure, collided with it from behind.
He stated, “As soon as the truck collided with the bus, it burst into flames, engulfing almost all the passengers inside, along with the bus, two trucks, and a motorcycle.” The ill-fated bus was en route to Abuja from the southern part of the country at the time of the incident.
Efforts by FRSC personnel, Red Cross Nigeria, and police officers for rescue operations were hindered by the intensity of the fire. The two injured individuals were rushed to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, for immediate medical attention.
Expressing concern, Oyedeji highlighted the challenge of finding a hospital in Kogi willing to accommodate the charred bodies, potentially leading to a mass burial if no relatives claim them. He emphasized the need for motorists to prioritize vehicle maintenance and adhere to speed limits to prevent such tragic road accidents.
