FOUR students of the Federal University of Technology Akure, FUTA, yesterday, lost their lives in an auto crash on Ilesha/ Akure expressway.

Eleven others reportedly sustained serious injuries in the crash. They were reportedly returning from a religious programme held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

An eye witness said the accident occurred at Ibulesoro town in Ifedore council area of the state.

Identities of the deceased students could not be ascertained at press time but sources in the institution confirmed that they were students of the university.

The accident, according to the eye witness, occurred when a bus conveying the deceased students skidded off the road while the driver was trying to avoid crushing a motorcycle which crossed the expressway carelessly.

He explained that the driver of the bus, who was on high speed, could not control the vehicle when the motorcycle crossed and ended crashing, killing the students.

Confirming the incident, Ondo State police spokesman, Femi Joseph, said policemen and Federal Road Safety Corps officials responded swiftly to the accident and rushed those injured to hospital.

The Public Relations Officer of the University, Mr Adegbenro, said the students were on a private religious trip when the accident happened.

He said the management of the university was already aware of the accident and was in touch already with the Police on the matter.

He commiserated with the families of the deceased students and their colleagues.Also, the University Student Union President, Segun Oladele, said those injured are responding to treatment while the identity of those that died are still not known.