Three health workers die in Kwara road crash

Three members of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Ekiti Local Government branch, have died in a fatal lone road crash along the Oke-Onigbin–Omu-Aran highway in Kwara State shortly after participating in this year’s Workers’ Day celebrations.

The victims were said to be part of the health workers who travelled to Ilorin, the state capital, for the May Day activities before the tragic incident occurred on their return journey.

The PUNCH gathered that the crash happened around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday when the passengers were heading back to their local government area after the celebration.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Ilorin on Saturday, the Kwara State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Kabir Kazeem, said the vehicle involved was a commercial Mazda bus marked ARP627KY.

“The crash was a lone accident involving a Mazda commercial bus with registration number ARP627KY. It occurred as a result of overspeeding,” he said.

He added that seven occupants were in the vehicle at the time of the crash, made up of three men and four women, with three of the female passengers dying instantly.

“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, which led to the crash,” Kazeem added.

He noted that FRSC rescue teams were quickly 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.

Prof. Elelu added that the injured victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

She prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and strength for their families, colleagues, and the people of Ekiti LGA to bear the loss, while also wishing the injured a speedy recovery.