A crash involving a Toyota Corolla car and a commercial bus near Ilorin International Airport early Sunday morning claimed the lives of nine people, according to the Kwara Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC).
The crash was caused by a speed limit violation between the Toyota Corolla car and the Toyota Hiace bus, according to Mr Jonathan Owoade, FRSC Sector Commander in Kwara, who spoke to journalists on Sunday in Ilorin.
He claimed that eight people were injured in the collision, which included 20 people, and that nine people were confirmed deceased.
“This morning, we were informed of the unfortunate crash which occurred on the Ilorin-Ogbomoso highway around the airport authority area.
“A car coming out of the airport ran across the road, and its driver thought that he would have sped and crossed the road before the bus gets to his car.
“The fatal crash happened at about 8.00 a.m., with 20 persons involved. Eight sustained injuries ranging from open wounds to burns and sadly, nine others lost their lives.
“Before we reached the scene of the crash, the injured had been taken to the state general hospital by passersby, while the corpses had been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital mortuary by the patrol team.
“While we wish the injured quick recovery, we are also pleading with motorists to be patient while driving.
“Pedestrians and other road users too should be conscious and be careful while on the road.
“We commiserate with the families of the dead and we pray that the souls of the departed rest well,” Owoade said.