At least 16 persons were burnt to death, on Sunday, in a fatal accident, involving a commercial bus and a Sports Utility Vehicle, at the Alewu village end of the Lokoja-Abaji Expressway in Kogi state.

The unfortunate road mishap which had only one survivor was said to have been caused by the ‘outright’ violation of road traffic rules.

It was gathered that the commercial bus – a Toyota Hiace – was heading towards Kano while the SUV was heading to Benin, the Edo State capital when both had a head-on collision.

Confirming the incident, the Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, Kogi State, Mr. Ugboma Ugochukwu, revealed that the victims were buried at the accident scene.

 He said, “The accident happened around 6.30am on Friday at Alewu village, along the Lokoja-Abaji Expressway. It involved a fully-loaded commercial bus which was coming from Lagos and heading towards Kano State and a jeep, which was coming from Abuja and heading towards Benin.

“The two vehicles had a head-on collision, which was caused by one of the vehicles that was driving against the traffic. Speeding was also responsible for the accident, but it was primarily caused by violation of traffic rules. The accident led to an explosion, which resulted in the death of 16 of the passengers. They were burnt beyond recognition and were buried in the village.

“The lone survivor was rushed to a hospital in Koto-Karfi, where he was treated and discharged.”