By Kosisochukwu Uwandulu
UBULU-OKITI/Nigeria: A serious road accident on Thursday evening has left several passengers injured following a violent collision between a commercial bus and a tanker a few miles before Okiti Junction along the Agbor–Benin axis.
The crash, which occurred at about 4:30 p.m., involved a fully loaded commercial bus travelling towards Agbor and Benin and a tanker reportedly conveying water. Eyewitness accounts described the impact as severe, triggering panic among passengers and sending shockwaves through residents and commuters in the vicinity.
According to sources at the scene, the force of the collision left the front section of the bus badly damaged, with the driver and passengers seated in the front row bearing the brunt of the impact. While some occupants escaped with minor injuries, others sustained serious wounds and required urgent medical attention.
“The accident was very serious. The front of the bus was badly hit, and those in front were the most affected. Some people were bleeding, while others were in shock,” an eyewitness recounted.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) arrived promptly at the scene and coordinated rescue operations. The emergency responders worked swiftly to evacuate victims from the wreckage and conveyed the injured to nearby hospitals using official vehicles and other available means.
In the immediate aftermath of the crash, bystanders and other road users also played a critical role, offering first aid support, comforting victims, and assisting in moving the injured to safer locations pending the arrival of rescue teams.
The accident caused a temporary disruption of traffic along the busy route, as security and safety officials worked to clear the wreckage and restore normal flow of vehicles.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact cause of the accident remains unclear. However, authorities are expected to launch a full investigation to determine the circumstances leading to the crash and to prevent future occurrences.
The incident once again underscores growing concerns over road safety on major highways, particularly involving heavy-duty vehicles, and highlights the urgent need for stricter compliance with traffic regulations and improved driver awareness.
