This is just as four pupils of the Federal Government Girls College, Oyo, Oyo State, and a driver were crushed to death in an accident that occurred a few kilometres to the school gate.
The crash in Osun involved a Sienna and an 18-seater Mazda bus. The accident, which happened on Sunday, also claimed the lives of two siblings, who were returning to their school.
Eyewitnesses told Punch that the accident was caused by a burst tyre suffered by the Mazda bus. It was learnt that the bus was speeding when the tyre burst, making the driver to lose control, while the bus eventually collided with the Sienna going towards Osogbo.
The bus reportedly caught fire after colliding with the Sienna. Seven persons, including the couple and the siblings, were reportedly burnt to death.
No fewer than 11 passengers were also said to have suffered injuries in the crash.
One of the eyewitnesses, who identified himself simply as Femi, said:
"The accident was caused by the driver of the Mazda bus because he lost the control of the bus when the front tyre burst. He collided with a Toyota Sienna that was coming towards Osogbo.
“The driver of the Sienna and his wife died on the spot, while five passengers in the bus were burnt beyond recognition. Two children of the same parent were also said to be among those burnt to death in the bus.
“We could not help them immediately because of the fire. It was a gory sight.”
Another eyewitness said that those injured would have been burnt to death, but for other motorists, who brought them out of the vehicle before the fire engulfed it.
The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Osun State Command, Mr. Umar Ibrahim, said those injured in the crash were taken to the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile Ife.
He appealed to motorists to always ensure their vehicles and the tyres were in good condition before embarking on any journey.
