Updated: 15 killed, 17 injured in fatal Kwara trailer crash, FRSC blames driver fatigue

Updated: 15 killed, 17 injured in fatal Kwara trailer crash, FRSC blames driver fatigue

No fewer than 15 people lost their lives, while 17 others sustained injuries, after a passenger-laden trailer crashed along the Ogbomoso–Oloru Road near the Muslim Cemetery in the Oko-Olowo area of Ilorin Kwara State, in the early hours of Monday.

The tragic lone accident occurred at about 2:32am and it involved a DAF XF trailer with registration number GWL 274 XC, reportedly driven by Nasiru Muhammed.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the trailer was carrying 48 male occupants when it crashed under circumstances that investigators believe were caused by driver fatigue.

The FRSC confirmed that 15 passengers died at the scene, while 17 others suffered varying degrees of injuries, including fractures, dislocations and bruises. Another 16 occupants escaped without injuries.

Emergency responders from the FRSC Oloru Unit Command and the Oko-Olowo Outpost quickly arrived at the scene to rescue survivors and recover victims trapped beneath the wreckage and the trailer’s load.

The injured victims were evacuated to Arewa Medical Centre and Baki Hospital, where they are receiving medical attention. The bodies of those who died were released to their families through the Sarkin Hausawa of Oko-Olowo after the necessary identification and official procedures.

The Kwara Sector Commander of the FRSC, Kabiru Kazeem, who personally supervised the rescue and recovery operation, described the crash as preventable. He said preliminary investigations pointed to driver fatigue as the likely cause of the fatal accident, warning that tired driving remains one of the leading contributors to deadly road crashes across Nigeria.

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Kazeem urged commercial drivers and transport operators to prioritise adequate rest before embarking on long-distance journeys, particularly at night, stressing that fatigue significantly impairs concentration, judgment and reaction time.

He also condemned the continued use of trailers to transport passengers, describing the practice as highly dangerous and contrary to road safety regulations.

He appealed to transport operators to stop the mixed loading of passengers and goods, noting that heavy-duty trucks are designed for cargo rather than human transportation. According to him, such unsafe practices often result in high casualty figures whenever crashes occur.

Following the tragedy, Kazeem announced that the FRSC would intensify public enlightenment campaigns across communities in Kwara State through town hall meetings and stakeholder engagements.

The campaign, he said, would focus on promoting responsible driving, discouraging dangerous transportation practices and improving compliance with traffic regulations.

He also advised motorists to avoid unnecessary night journeys, obey speed limits, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and take regular breaks during long trips.

The latest accident has renewed concerns over the increasing number of fatal crashes involving heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian highways, particularly along the Oko-Olowo corridor, where several deadly accidents have been recorded over the years.

Road safety experts have repeatedly warned against conveying passengers in trailers, arguing that the vehicles lack the safety features required for passenger transportation and expose occupants to greater risks during accidents.

The FRSC has consistently identified driver fatigue, speeding, overloading, dangerous overtaking and traffic violations as some of the leading causes of road crashes in the country.

Authorities say investigations into Monday’s fatal crash are continuing, while officials have extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

Updated: 15 killed, 17 injured in fatal Kwara trailer crash, FRSC blames driver fatigue