Three dead, five rescued as bus plunges into river in Ibadan

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

Tragedy struck in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, after a passenger bus plunged into the Ariyo River along Amuloko Road, leaving three people dead while five others were rescued alive.

The incident was confirmed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency, Mr. Maroof Akinwande, in a statement made available to journalists on Thursday in Ibadan.

According to Akinwande, the agency received a distress call about the accident on Wednesday through a telephone call from Mrs. Fadeke Yusuf, prompting an immediate deployment of firefighters and rescue personnel to the scene.

He explained that upon arrival, the rescue team discovered a Suzuki bus with registration number LEW 484 XA from Osun State that had lost control and plunged into the Ariyo River. The vehicle was reportedly carrying eight passengers at the time of the crash.

“Five persons were rescued alive from the river and were immediately conveyed to Ona-Ara Private Hospital in the Jegede area for medical attention,” Akinwande said.

He added that three other occupants were recovered dead from the wreckage. The bodies were subsequently handed over to officers from the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Ogbere Divisional Headquarters, led by ASP Aishat Ibrahim.

The fire service chief attributed the tragic accident to reckless driving, warning motorists to adhere strictly to road safety regulations to prevent avoidable road crashes.

Akinwande also commended the support provided during the rescue operation by the Oyo State Road Transport Management Authority, Ona Ara Division, as well as the Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government Area, Glorious Temitope, for their prompt response and collaboration.