No fewer than 15 people lost their lives while 17 others sustained injuries in a lone truck crash along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo corridor of the Ilorin-Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the accident occurred around 2:32 a.m. on Monday near the Muslim Cemetery area.

Kwara Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabir Kazeem, said the crash involved a DAF XF truck with registration number GWL 274 XC.

According to him, the vehicle was carrying 48 male occupants when the accident occurred. Fifteen of the passengers died, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

Kazeem attributed the crash to driver fatigue, noting that the injured victims suffered fractures, dislocations and bruises.

He said those injured were taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.

The bodies of the deceased, he added, had been released to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area.

The sector commander also disclosed that rescue workers were continuing the search for any victims who might still be trapped beneath the truck’s load.

He said the rescue operation was carried out by personnel of the RS8.15 Oloru Unit Command and the RS8.1 Kwara Command, Oko Olowo Outpost.

Kazeem added that the FRSC would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders to promote safer road use.

He also advised motorists to avoid overloading, night travel and driving while fatigued.

(Photo Credit: Vanguard News)