"Tragic Auto Crash Claims 13 Lives in Kogi State's Obajana Market"

Tragedy struck on Sunday evening as an auto crash along Obajana-Lokoja Road in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, with two others sustaining injuries. The fatal incident occurred around 7:30 pm at Obajana Market, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting swift response from emergency services.

According to Mr. Samuel Oyedeji, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi State, the accident involved a commercial Volkswagen Sharan minivan en route to Abuja from the southern region of the country. The minivan had parked behind a truck near the market to allow passengers to make purchases when tragedy struck.

The cement truck, reportedly losing its brake, collided with the stationary minivan from behind, leading to a devastating impact. The force of the collision ignited a fierce blaze, engulfing the minivan and its occupants in flames. Despite the efforts of rescue teams comprising FRSC personnel, Red Cross Nigeria, and police officers, the intensity of the fire thwarted attempts to save the victims.

The aftermath of the collision left a grim scene, with the minivan, two trucks, and a motorcycle engulfed in flames, adding to the devastation of the incident. While the charred remains of the deceased were collected, two injured individuals were rushed to Fisayo Hospital, Obajana, for urgent medical attention.

Mr. Oyedeji expressed deep concern over the lack of willingness by hospitals in Kogi State to accept the charred remains of the accident victims for preservation, raising the possibility of a mass burial if no relatives come forward. He described the incident as "very sad and unfortunate," urging motorists to prioritize safety measures and proper vehicle maintenance to mitigate the risk of road crashes.

The tragic loss of lives in this auto crash serves as a poignant reminder of the critical importance of road safety awareness and adherence to traffic regulations. As investigations into the circumstances of the accident continue, authorities emphasize the need for vigilance and caution among motorists to prevent similar tragedies in the future.