10 killed as 18-seater bus plunges into river

No fewer than 10 passengers perished in a fatal road accident along Okosu River in the Sampou community of Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The accident, which occurred about 8.30pm on Saturday, caused gridlock on East-West Road. The officials of the state security outfit, Operation Doo Akpo, were, however, seen assisting in the rescue and evacuation of the corpses to the morgue.

An eyewitness, Mr. Emmanuel Eziya, told PUNCH Metro that the 18-seater bus was conveying the passengers to Yenagoa from a traditional marriage at Oginigbo in Ughelli South local Government Area of Delta State.

Eziya said the bus somersaulted, veered off the road and plunged into the river when it allegedly attempted to overtake a vehicle.

"Thought the river is shallow, only those who knew how to swim could be rescued," he added.

Eziya said the driver of the ill-fated Hiace bus, who was popularly known as Student, and operated from the Opolo Motor Park in Yenagoa, died alongside his passengers.

But a nursing mother was said to have survived as she was able to swim out of the river.

It was learnt, however, that she lost her child in the crash.

It was further learnt that most of the occupants of the vehicle were women and children.

PUNCH Metro learnt that about eight persons, who sustained critical injuries, were currently receiving medical treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Bayelsa.

Efforts to reach the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in the state, Mr. Vincent Jack, were unsuccessful as his phone indicated that it was switched off.

However, Bayelsa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hilarry Opara, confirmed the accident.

"I can tell you that seven persons died on the spot. Others are receiving treatment in the hospital," Opara said.

Culled from Punch