TRAGEDY: ATLEAST 7 DIE, MOSTLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, AS BUS PLUNGES INTO RIVER

At least 7 passengers died in a horrible
road accident along Okosu River in the
Sampou community of Kolokuma/Opokuma
Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The accident occurred on Saturday and caused a
traffic jam on East-West Road.
An eyewitness, Mr. Emmanuel Eziya, told the
jouirnalists that the 18-seater bus was going to
Yenagoa from a traditional marriage at Oginigbo
in Ughelli South local Government Area of Delta
State.
According to him, 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.
He says the driver died alongside his
passengers.
But a nursing mother was said to have survived
as she was able to swim out of the river.
However, she lost her child in the crash.
The other passengers of the bus were mostly
women and children.
According to the information available, about 8
people are currently receiving 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, failed.
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.