One person was feared dead while three others sustained varying degrees of injuries in a tragic auto accident involving a commercial tricycle, popularly known as “Keke,” along the Isaac Boro Expressway in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The fatal accident reportedly occurred near the Saptex Junction area of the expressway on Thursday, throwing commuters and residents into panic.
According to eyewitness accounts, the tricycle driver had stopped by the roadside to allow a passenger disembark when a speeding vehicle rammed into the tricycle from behind.
The impact of the collision reportedly forced the tricycle to crash into a stationary Dyna truck parked nearby, causing severe damage to the Keke and leaving passengers trapped.
An eyewitness who spoke to reporters said one of the passengers died instantly at the scene due to the severity of the impact, while three others, including the tricycle operator, sustained serious injuries.
“The Keke stopped for somebody to come down at Saptex Junction when another vehicle suddenly hit it from behind. The force pushed the tricycle into a stationary Dyna truck. One person died immediately while others were badly injured,” the eyewitness narrated.
Good Samaritans and other road users were said to have rushed to the scene to rescue the victims before the injured persons were taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
The identity of the deceased victim had yet to be confirmed as of the time of filing this report.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Nigeria Police Force were yet to release an official statement regarding the cause of the accident and the identities of those involved.
The incident caused temporary traffic congestion along the busy expressway as sympathizers and commuters gathered at the scene.