A lone accident involving a commercial Mazda bus marked ARP627KY has killed three members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Ekiti Local Government branch, Kwara State.
Sunday gathered that the health workers were returning from the Workers’ Day celebration in Ilorin when the accident occurred around 3pm along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu-Aran highway.
Confirming the incident to journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, the Kwara State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kabir Kazeem, blamed speeding for the crash.
“The crash was a lone accident involving a Mazda commercial bus with registration number ARP627KY. It occurred as a result of speeding.
“Seven persons were involved in the crash, three males and four females. Unfortunately, three of the female occupants lost their lives on the spot,” he said.
According to the FRSC, preliminary findings showed that a burst tyre at high speed caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to the fatal accident.
“The driver lost control after one of the tyres burst while the vehicle was speeding, which led to the crash,” Kazeem added.
He noted that FRSC rescue teams were promptly deployed to the scene, where injured victims were evacuated alongside the bodies of the deceased to a hospital in Omu-Aran for further handling.
The sector commander also reiterated the need for drivers to observe speed limits and ensure regular vehicle maintenance, while urging passengers to speak up against reckless driving when necessary.
The Chairman of Ekiti Local Government Area, Awelewa Gabriel, described the incident as a devastating loss to the council and the health community.
“Our hearts are heavy over this tragedy. These were committed health workers who were returning from a national celebration, only to meet their untimely death on the road,” he said.
He further assured that the local government would collaborate with relevant authorities to support the families of the deceased and assist the injured in their recovery.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a devastating blow to the health system.
She said the deceased were among personnel actively contributing to the ongoing polio immunisation campaign in the state, noting that their efforts would be greatly missed.
“We are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking incident. These were committed officers who contributed immensely to the success of the ongoing polio immunisation exercise, serving their communities with dedication. Their sudden loss is a painful blow to all of us,” she said.
Elelu added that the injured victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.