14 persons have lost their lives in a fatal motor accident between an 18-seater bus and a truck loaded with cement.
The incident happened at about 13:00 hours on Wednesday between Obajana/Lokoja road, Kogi State.
It was gathered that the bus departed from Zuba near Abuja, and headed towards Lagos.
It was also learnt that the bus had a tyre explosion, and the driver lost control in the middle of the road before the truck loaded with cement rammed into it.
Fourteen out of the seventeen passengers in the bus lost their lives, while three passengers sustained degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre Lokoja.
The driver assistant in the truck, reportedly sustained serious injuries and is also receiving treatment at the medical centre.
The Kogi State Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps, (FRSC), Solomon Agure confirmed the incident.
He said: ” It is another sad day here in the state as 14 people lost their lives in a fatal accident along Obajana Lokoja road. Those that sustained injuries in the accident are now at the Federal Medical Centre, Lokoja receiving treatment.
” We are appealing to motorists to always check and cross check their vehicles before plying on the road. They should avoid over spreading, as this may cost their lives,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Kogi State Government has expressed shock and sympathised with the families of the victims.
A statement from the state commissioner for Information and Communication, Kingsley Fanwo, explained that preliminary reports showed that the accident involved a bus and a truck conveying cement from Obajana.
“The Governor, Government and people of Kogi State express deep sympathy over the demise of 14 passengers of a bus involved in a ghastly accident at Old Akpata, along Lokoja-Obajana Road today.
“It is indeed, a sad occurrence and a shame that we lost such promising souls in such a pathetic circumstance, ” He added.
“As a Government, we will strengthen our road safety measures to ensure that avoidable loss of lives are averted.
“We also call on the FRSC to intensify its surveillance along the roads and ensure that road users obey traffic laws as well as ensure that only road worthy vehicles ply our roads. Every life is precious.
“The Kogi State Government expresses deep shock over this irreparable loss of lives as we pray that God grants families of the deceased the fortitude to bear their losses,” he said.
(Newspot)