At least three people have lost their lives while five others were rescued after a passenger bus veered off the road and plunged into the Ariyo River along Amuloko Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, and the Oyo State Fire Services Agency quickly responded after receiving a distress call from a resident, Mrs. Fadeke Yusuf, the agency confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
According to the agency’s Chairman, Mr. Moroof Akinwande, the bus, a Suzuki with registration number OSUN LEW 484 XA, was carrying eight passengers when it lost control and crashed into the river.
“Five passengers were rescued and taken to Ona-Ara Private Hospital in Jegede area, while three deceased individuals were recovered and handed over to policemen from Ogbere Divisional Headquarters led by ASP Aishat Ibrahim,” he said.
Akinwande attributed the accident to reckless driving and urged motorists to exercise caution, follow road safety guidelines, and avoid unnecessary risks while on the road.
He also expressed gratitude to the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), Ona-Ara Division, and Glorious Temitope, Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, for their support during the rescue operation.