Tragedy struck in Oyo State on Wednesday as a commercial bus lost control and plunged into the Ariyo River along Amunloko Road in Ona-Ara Local Government Area, leaving three passengers dead while five others were rescued alive.
The Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Thursday in Ibadan by the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Services and Chairman of the agency, Moroof Akinwande.
According to Akinwande, the agency received a distress call at about 3:38 pm through a resident, Fadeke Yusuf, reporting that a vehicle had fallen into the river in the area.
Firefighters were immediately deployed to the scene to carry out rescue operations.
Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered that a Suzuki commercial bus with number plate OSUN LEW 484 XA, carrying eight passengers, had lost control and plunged into the river.
"Five occupants were rescued alive and rushed to Ona-Ara Private Hospital in the Jegede area for treatment, while three others were recovered dead," Akinwande said.
The remains of the deceased were handed over to a team of policemen from the Ogbere Divisional Headquarters led by ASP Aishat Ibrahim.
Akinwande attributed the accident to reckless driving, though further investigations may reveal additional factors.
Officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority from the Ona-Ara Division and the Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Glorious Temitope, were present during the rescue operation.
The fire service boss used the opportunity to urge motorists to drive with caution and adhere strictly to road safety rules to prevent avoidable accidents.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured passengers a speedy recovery.
The incident highlights the dangers faced by commercial transport operators and passengers on Nigerian roads, where accidents remain a frequent occurrence due to factors including reckless driving, poor road conditions, and vehicle maintenance issues.
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