15 Killed as Trailer Crushes Passengers in Kwara Night Crash

Fifteen people have been confirmed dead and 17 others injured after a heavily loaded trailer crashed along the Ogbomoso–Oko Olowo section of the Ilorin–Jebba Expressway in Kwara State.

The lone accident occurred around 2:32 a.m. on Monday near the Muslim Cemetery in the Oko Olowo area, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

An FRSC report indicated that the crash involved a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC. The vehicle, which was carrying a massive load with several passengers riding on top, reportedly veered off the road after the driver allegedly fell asleep behind the wheel.

The impact caused the trailer to detach from its head, while its cargo toppled onto the passengers, trapping many beneath the load.

The report stated that 48 male occupants were involved in the crash. Of the number, 15 lost their lives, 17 sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 16 escaped unhurt.

According to the FRSC, the injured victims suffered fractures, dislocations and bruises.

Confirming the incident, the Kwara State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Babatunde Kazeem, identified the driver as Nasiru Mohammed.

Kazeem said those injured had been taken to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased had been released to their families and the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko Olowo in Moro Local Government Area for burial.

He disclosed that rescue workers were still searching the accident scene for possible victims believed to be trapped beneath the fallen cargo.

The rescue operation, he added, was carried out jointly by personnel from the FRSC’s RS8.15 Oloru Unit and RS8.1 Kwara Command, Oko Olowo Outpost.

The sector commander said the command would intensify public enlightenment campaigns through town hall meetings with relevant stakeholders to reduce road crashes.

He also advised motorists and transport operators to avoid conveying passengers on top of goods, warning against mixed loading and night journeys, which he described as major contributors to fatal road accidents.