No fewer than 15 people have died following a road crash at the Muslim Cemetery area along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo route of the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the fatal crash occurred at about 2:32 a.m. on Monday and involved a lone trailer, a DAF XF with registration number GWL 274 XC.

According to the FRSC, a total of 48 male occupants were involved in the accident. Of the number, 15 lost their lives, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

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

The FRSC Sector Commander in Kwara State, Kabiru Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Muhammed. He said the injured victims had been taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment.

Kazeem added that the bodies of the deceased had been released to representatives of the victims' families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

He disclosed that rescue officials were still searching for additional victims believed to be trapped beneath the trailer's load, adding that the operation was jointly carried out by personnel of RS8.15 Oloru and RS8.1 Kwara (Oko Olowo Outpost).

The Sector Commander said the command would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders. He also advised motorists to avoid mixed loading and night travel to reduce the risk of road crashes.