Bayelsa burial trip ends in fatal road crash

Tragedy struck on Friday when an 18-seater bus conveying passengers to the burial of the Bayelsa State Deputy Governor was involved in a fatal crash along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road.

Eyewitnesses initially claimed that many lives were lost in the accident, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

However, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefs Brisibe, who confirmed the incident during a telephone conversation with our correspondent, said only two victims died at the scene.

Nathan Tamarapreye, Yenagoa

Eyewitnesses initially claimed that many lives were lost in the accident, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

However, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefs Brisibe, who confirmed the incident during a telephone conversation with our correspondent, said only two victims died at the scene.

Brisibe dismissed reports suggesting that more than 10 people lost their lives in the crash.

“Our State Ambulance Services responded promptly and evacuated the victims to hospitals. Seven victims were taken to Sagbama General Hospital, while 10 others were conveyed to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital, Okolobiri,” he said.

“Two people passed on at the accident scene, while the others are currently in stable condition. Claims that more than 10 people died are false.

“The timely deployment of our ambulance fleet ensured rapid medical intervention for the victims,” Brisibe added.

Meanwhile, the burial ceremony of the late Deputy Governor, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, is currently underway in Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area.

Dr Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, reportedly slumped and died on 11 December while performing his official duties at the Government House in Yenagoa.