Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
Sixty persons were said to have burnt to death in a road accident at Oko-Olowo, along Ilorin-Jebba expressway, Ilorin, Kwara State on Friday.
Sources said the victims were traveling from the northern part of the country.
According to an eyewitness, the accident happened when a trailer carrying fertilizer and petrol laden truck collided while overtaking, resulting in inferno.
Another source said that burnt skulls and other human parts like limbs were seen being burnt inside the affected vehicles, while others littered the scene of the accident.
An eyewitnesses, who said that victims were burnt beyond recognition, said it all happened at about 8:30 am on Friday, adding that the vehicles burnt for over two hours.
The eyewitness, who said that occupants on top of the trailer scampered for safety immediately the incident happened, said that so were the occupants of the truck carrying the fertilizer, who he said jumped from top of the vehicle to escape being caught up in the ensued flame.
“Many of the people suffered broken legs and arms as they were jumping down from the vehicles. A father had to throw one of his children out of the burning vehicles before he could also jump down.
Those who sustained injuries and fractures had been rushed to nearby hospitals for medical attention,” he said.
Arobadi, who lives in the area, said that road accident of different dimensions occurred at least once every week along the expressway, with heavy losses in lives and property.
Residents of the area called on government to find lasting solution to the frequent occurrence of crashes along the road, while suggesting construction of overhead bridge to check the development.