ONYEDI GABRIEL, Port Harcourt
Over 13 persons have died in a fatal accident that occurred close to Akpoku- Udufor community in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State.
The incident, involving a Coaster bus filled with passengers and a truck, was described as the worst road tragedy in the state in recent times.
It was learnt that the bus was conveying passengers from Afara community in Etche to a community in the neighbouring Imo State for a traditional marriage.
But less than 30 minutes after the bus took off, it collided with a truck killing over 13 of its passengers.
It was gathered that the community was still in shock as deceased persons were said to be mostly parents.
A source from the area, who identified himself simply as Chibuike said the bus and the bus had a head-on collision.
Chibuike blamed the accident on overspeeding, adding that after the collision, the bus somasulted many times.
He said the younger brother of the groom and his wife were among the dead casualties.
He said while 11 persons died on the spot, others died on their way to the hospital.
A source from the local government authority, who spoke in confidence, said the council’s Chairman, Obinna Anyanwu, was informed about the incident.
The source said Anyanwu visited the scene of the incident and assisted in conveying the victims to the mortuary and hospital.
Spokesman of the Rivers State Police Command, Nnamdi Omoni who confirmed the incident, however, said five copses were recovered from the scene.
He said: “Yes, I am aware of it. Five bodies were recovered from the scene and deposited at the hospital. Some persons with injuries were taken to the hospital. I don’t know if there were more deaths.”