Tragic Accident at University of Ilorin Claims One Student’s Life, Injures Others

In a distressing turn of events, a minibus transporting students from the University of Ilorin was involved in a severe accident right at the school’s entrance. The crash occurred on Thursday, July 18, resulting in the death of one student and injuries to several others.

According to the university’s management, the minibus was carrying ten students when it lost control and somersaulted near the school gate. This incident has deeply shaken the university community, plunging students and staff into mourning as they come to terms with the sudden loss of a fellow student.

The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital received the injured students immediately following the accident. Sadly, one student was pronounced dead upon arrival and has since been moved to the hospital’s morgue. University officials are currently in the process of notifying the deceased student’s next of kin.

In an official statement, Kunle Akogun, the university’s Director of Corporate Affairs, confirmed the details of the accident and the number of students involved. He reported that out of the ten students, four suffered minor injuries, received treatment, and were discharged from the hospital. The remaining five students sustained more severe injuries; among them, two males and three females are still under medical care, receiving necessary treatments to aid their recovery.

The state Police Command also released a statement through its spokesperson, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, providing further insight into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. “The bus driver was exiting the school premises when he seemingly lost control of the vehicle, causing it to somersault while still in motion,” explained Ejire-Adeyemi. She added that the driver is among those receiving medical attention, along with the surviving students.

This accident not only highlights the critical issue of road safety within university environments but also casts a spotlight on the need for stringent safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The university community is currently rallying together, offering support to the affected students and their families during this difficult time.

As the University of Ilorin mourns this loss and hopes for the speedy recovery of the injured, questions about transportation safety standards and measures within the campus are likely to prompt discussions aimed at preventing future tragedies. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of stringent safety protocols and regular maintenance checks for vehicles transporting students.