The Federal Road Safety Corps, Kwara State Sector Command, has confirmed the death of eight travellers at Oke- Onigbin, along Omuaran-Ilorin Road in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

The sector commander, Stephen Dawulung, confirmed the development in a statement by the sector Public Relations Officer, Busari Basambo, on Saturday in Ilorin, the state capital.

“A fatal road traffic crash occurred on Friday evening, at Oke Onigbin, along Omuaran-Ilorin Road, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State around 7.40 pm.

“The accident involved a Mack trailer and a Mitsubishi bus,” Basambo said in the statement.

Dawulung said FRSC standby rescue team members at Omuaran Unit Command were immediately mobilised to the scene, for rescue.

“Preliminary investigations by our men revealed that the Mitsubishi space wagon (enroute to Ilorin) while overtaking a bus, collided with an oncoming Mack trailer.

“It resulted in the death of eight persons on the spot, one male adult, three female adults and four children, while six others sustained various degrees of injuries,” PRO said.

He said the corpses were deposited at a mortuary in Omuaran.

He noted that further investigation revealed that the crash was caused by speed, wrongful overtaking and poor visibility.

The sector commander admonished drivers to avoid night journeys, speed and ensure they take a rest for 30 minutes after every four-hour driving.

“This is to avoid the chances of being involved in crashes as a result of poor visibility, fatigue, short sleep and lack of proper vehicle control.

“The highest level of caution and concentration must be exercised while driving,” it stated.

Dawulung who sympathised with families of the dead and wished the injured quick recovery however said that all obstructions relating to the crash had been cleared and traffic flow reinstated.

Dawulung said investigation officers had commenced a full investigation into the crash, for remedial measures.

He reiterated that FRSC will continue to discharge its responsibilities towards the enhancement of road traffic safety.

“This is by deepening our enforcements against road traffic infractions, public enlightenment and prompt rescue of road traffic crash victims”, he stated.