Tragedy struck in Ondo State on Tuesday night as no fewer than 16 persons were burnt to death in an auto crash at Ajue community, along the Ore-Ondo highway.
Three other persons were seriously injured while two others reportedly escaped unhurt.
It was reported that the victims were burnt beyond recognition when the two vehicles involved, a Toyota Bus and a truck, went up in flames at around 8:00 pm.
According to the eyewitness, a dangerous overtaking by one of the drivers led to a head on collision that resulted in the two vehicles bursting into flames.
The source alleged that one of the drivers might have kept fuel in his vehicle, hence the fire incident.
Meanwhile, Mr Samuel Ibitoye, the Ondo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) who confirmed the incident to journalists, said rescue operation ended around 11:00 pm on Tueday.
Ibitoye said investigations on what led to the accident has not been concluded.
According to him, the preliminary investigation indicated speeding and wrongful overtaking.
“I appealed to motorists to drive with defensive technics and not to claim right.
“Speeding and wrongful overtaking were part of the cause of accidents on Nigerian highways,” Ibitoye said.
Tragedy as 16 persons burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
