Two students of the Niger Delta University, Amassoma, have died in a fatal road crash involving a truck and a commercial tricycle along the Yenagoa–Amassoma Road in Bayelsa State.
The accident also left several other passengers critically injured.
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened at a sharp bend on the road and blamed it on overspeeding and lack of road signs.
The truck, reportedly negotiating the bend at high speed, lost control and rammed into the tricycle, crushing it.
A trader, Godspower Okilo, said that truck driver was moving too fast and by the time he realised the danger, it was already too late.
He said, “The Keke (tricycle) had no chance of escaping the danger because the tipper was already close to it.
“We’ve been complaining about reckless truck drivers on this road for years, but nothing changes.
“The dangerous impact left the tricycle damaged beyond recognition. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.
“The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to a nearby morgue.
“This incident has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Police Command should intensify patrols, introduce speed breakers, and conduct regular safety checks on heavy-duty vehicles.”
Another resident, Mrs. Ebike Ekain, warned that if authorities fail to act, more lives could be lost on the road.
Bayelsa State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Musa Muhammad, confirmed the incident, saying: “Yes, an accident happened there and we are investigating the causes of the accident.”