By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Nine passengers were killed on Monday in multiple accidents along the Ilesa-Akure Highway in Osun State.
Confirming the report, the Osun State Fire Service said it was a collision between trailers at Ilesa-Akure expressroad at Erin Ijesha in Osun state, resulting in fire outbreak.
The State Fire Service said the fire involved 9 vehicles and 2 lorries, adding that 9 casualties were recorded with one receiving treatment in the hospital.
According to a witness, the accident occurred around 11:35 am at Erin-Ijesa, a town in Oriade Local Government Area of the state when a diesel-laden tanker spilled its content on the highway, causing explosions that affected several vehicles in the vicinity.
He said the tanker fell while on motion and immediately caught fire.
According to him: “Many vehicles are affected here and it has even caused gridlock on the road.”
The officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps are on ground, diverting motorists to ply Ipetu Ijesa town to ease the traffic.
“Many people were burnt to death while some sustained severe burns. I don’t know the numbers of those that are affected now, the situation is very terrible.”
The Police Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the development to journalists but said she could not give the number of casualties yet.
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