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By Goli Innocent
Tragedy struck Ibelebiri community in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on Wednesday afternoon after a fuel tanker rammed into a tricycle, killing the rider and four schoolchildren.
The accident occurred along the Ibelebiri stretch of the Yenegwe–Okarki–Otuasega road, throwing the predominantly farming and fishing settlement into mourning. Residents said the victims were returning from school when the tanker reportedly suffered brake failure, veered off the road and crushed the tricycle, popularly known as Keke Napep.
Eyewitnesses said the children were pupils of a school in Otuasega community, while the tricycle rider, a relative, routinely transported them home. The impact left little chance of survival for those trapped inside.
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One witness disclosed that the tricycle was parked near the children’s residence when the incident happened. According to the account, one of the pupils had already crossed the road and entered the house when the tanker, said to be bearing the logo of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, ploughed into the vehicle, crushing the remaining occupants before they could escape.
The tanker driver reportedly fled the scene immediately after the crash. However, the conductor was apprehended by military personnel and later handed over to the police for further questioning.
An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who spoke on condition of anonymity, commended youths in the community for maintaining calm and helping to secure the tanker, thereby preventing further chaos.
Spokesman of the Bayelsa State Police Command, Musa Mohammed, confirmed the incident, saying authorities have commenced an investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.
