Tragedy struck on Wednesday night as several final-year students from Ladoke Akintola University (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso lost their lives while returning from a picnic at the picturesque Erin-Ijesa Waterfall, along the Osogbo/Ifon/Oyo Boundary road.
The heart-wrenching incident resulted in the loss of at least two students’ lives, with five others narrowly escaping the same fate. Fortunately, quick action by the dedicated personnel of the Osun Ambulance Scheme played a pivotal role in rescuing the survivors.
Reports indicate that the unfortunate accident occurred due to the bus driver’s reckless speeding. The situation escalated when the bus collided with a commercial motorcyclist, triggering a chase by irate residents in the area.
“Few meters from Ojutu Bridge, the driver lost control of the vehicle and the bus somersaulted and caught fire. Some people were rescued before the fire could spread, but three people were burnt to death. Operatives of O’Ambulance Scheme came around to rescue some of the victims,” a resident of Okinni, identified as Adeyanju, told reporters.
The driver and two students were said to have been burnt to death.
Spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Agnes Ogungbemi said the accident was caused by violation of speed limit which led to loss of control.
