The tragedy which happened around 11am was said to have occurred as the diesel-laden tanker was trying to drive past the roundabout when the passenger bus, reportedly rammed into it from behind.
The bus immediately went up in flames as passengers who had lost consciousnesses due to the way the bus rammed into the tanker, were suddenly trapped inside.
9 passengers reportedly died on the spot, while some others who were rescued, eventually died.
One victim was said to be in a critical condition at the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital in Ile Ife.
One of the residents of Ile Ife, who was at the scene of the crash, told our correspondent that the Nissan Urvan bus was also loaded with vehicle spare parts scrap metal, which made it difficult for the passengers to escape from the burning vehicle.
The resident, who identified himself as Macdonald Oladipupo, said, “The accident happened opposite Moremi Estate this morning (Sunday). The tanker was making a U-turn, while the bus that was coming from Ore rammed into it.
“Nine of the passengers inside the bus died. A rescue team from the Seventh Day Adventist Hospital came to rescue others. I learnt that some of them later died.”
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Osun State, Mr. Anthony Oko, confirmed the accident to our correspondent on the telephone.
He said, “No fewer than 11 persons died. A tanker was said to be making a U-turn and a bus coming from Ore rammed into it. The bus caught fire and 11 of the passengers, including the driver died.
“The bus had 12 passengers and the remaining passenger of the bus is in danger list at a hospital. I just pray he survives, but his condition is very bad.
“He suffered third degree burns, but nothing happened to the tanker driver. He ran away immediately after the accident.”
Oko said the driver would be arrested with the help of the police.
He appealed to drivers to always obey road signs and to make sure that their vehicles were in good condition before putting them on the road.
Punch
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