In a heartbreaking incident that occurred in the early hours of today, a fatal road accident along the Lokoja-Okene highway has claimed the lives of several passengers, leaving the community in deep shock and sorrow.
The accident reportedly involved a fully loaded commercial bus and a heavy-duty truck, which were traveling in opposite directions. Eyewitnesses at the scene revealed that the collision occurred due to the reckless overtaking by the bus driver, leading to a head-on collision with the truck.
The impact of the crash was devastating, with both vehicles mangled beyond recognition. Emergency responders, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local vigilantes, swiftly arrived at the scene to provide assistance.
Unfortunately, many lives were lost on the spot, while several others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.
The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed, but authorities say the majority of the victims were traders and commuters traveling to various destinations. Among the dead were women and children, adding a particularly tragic dimension to the incident.
The tragic incident has once again highlighted the urgent need for improved road safety measures along the Lokoja-Okene highway, which is notorious for its high accident rate. Residents and road users are appealing to the government to enhance road maintenance and increase traffic enforcement to prevent further loss of lives.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at a nearby morgue, while investigations into the exact cause of the accident are ongoing.
