By Boluwaji Obahopo
LOKOJA — Seven persons have been confirmed dead, while three others sustained injuries in a road accident along the Okene–Osara–Lokoja Highway in Kogi State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) said the crash occurred when a commercial Siena bus travelling from Auchi in Edo State to Abuja collided with a stationary heavy-duty truck that was undergoing repairs in Osara.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Lawal Fagge, said the bus was conveying passengers to various destinations, including Abaji in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
He attributed the accident to excessive speeding, driver fatigue and a tyre burst, which caused the driver to lose control before crashing into the parked truck.
According to Fagge, six occupants of the Siena bus died at the scene, while the motor boy of the stationary truck also lost his life.
He said the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in a morgue, while three injured victims were rescued by FRSC personnel and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“Our rescue team responded promptly to the scene, evacuated the injured victims to a hospital and recovered the bodies of those who lost their lives,” Fagge said.
The FRSC commander urged motorists to obey speed limits, ensure their vehicles are in good condition before embarking on journeys and remain vigilant while driving.
He also advised drivers to exercise caution when approaching broken-down or stationary vehicles on highways to reduce the risk of avoidable accidents.
