Many feared killed as passenger bus plunges into Ogun River

Earlier yesterday, Wednesday October 2ndubuisi, a passenger bus reportedly plunged into River Ososa near Ijebu-Ode in Ogun State.

Many people were reported to have been killed in the accident, which was said to have occurred around 4.30 p.m.

It was gathered that the bus, with yet-to-be-specified number of passengers, was travelling on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway.

The Nation reports the accident occurred barely a week after a non-academic staff bus of Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Ijebu-Ode, plunged into the same river.

At the time of the report, divers and rescuers were still battling to save occupants of the vehicle, which was said to have lost control before flipping into the river.

It was also gathered that the bus driver had attempted to overtake another vehicle on the road but suddenly had a bad tyre, causing it to fall into the river.

Confirming the incident, the Ogun Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said it was the result of speeding.

Sector Commander Clement Oladele told The Nation that high water levels occasioned by Tuesday’s downpour made the rescue operation difficult.

He said: “The FRSC rescue team moved in immediately to the scene for rescue operations. The team include FRSC professional divers who have dived into the river to conduct rescue operations underneath

“The divers are still working hard to recover (bodies of the) passengers in the ill-fated vehicle, which is made more difficult by the risen level of the river caused by yesterday’s heavy rains, around Ijebu-Ode area.

“The bus was travelling from the Sagamu end of the expressway towards Ijebu-Ode section.”

Expressing worry over the incident, Oladele urged motorists to drive cautiously, especially around bridges, considering that the expressway was undergoing rehabilitation.

“Motorists are, therefore, strongly advised to reduce speed when approaching bridges to prevent unpleasant situation such as this.

“The rescue operations would not be called off till the vehicle and the occupants are brought out of the river.

“I also appeal to RCC (the construction fiem working in the area) to ensure that the safety railings around the bridge and other bridges in that axis are quickly replaced. Illuminated warning signs should be provided around the bridge and the depression at the foot of the bridge quickly repaired to prevent reoccurrence,” he said.