Three separate road accidents occurred in different parts of Bayelsa State on Monday, leaving one person dead and several others injured, raising fresh concerns over road safety amid the ongoing rainy season.
The fatal accident occurred at the Ekeki area of Yenagoa, where a tricycle (popularly known as Keke) rider was allegedly crushed to death by a trailer during an altercation involving officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Eyewitnesses told Niger Delta Herald that the deceased had reportedly been stopped by FRSC officials for an alleged traffic violation, leading to a heated exchange. During the incident, the tricycle rider allegedly attempted to leave the scene when he was struck by an oncoming articulated truck, which ran over him, killing him instantly.
The incident sparked outrage among residents and passersby, with an irate crowd reportedly attempting to attack the road safety officials. The situation, however, was brought under control after police officers arrived at the scene and dispersed the agitated mob with tear gas, preventing a breakdown of law and order.
In another incident, a commercial tricycle carrying passengers was involved in a road crash along the Kolo–Emeyal Road in the Ogbia LocalGovernmentArea. Although no lives were lost, several passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The injured victims were immediately evacuated by sympathisers and other road users to a nearby hospital, where they are currently receiving medical treatment. The exact cause of the accident could not be immediately established, but eyewitnesses attributed it to poor road conditions worsened by the persistent rainfall.
Similarly, a Toyota Sienna bus was involved in a lone accident along the East-West Road shortly after the Opokuma Junction in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area.
According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle reportedly skidded off the highway and veered into the roadside after the driver lost control during a heavy downpour that reduced visibility and made the road slippery.
Fortunately, all the occupants of the vehicle escaped without loss of life, although the bus sustained significant damage.
The three incidents have renewed calls for motorists to exercise greater caution while driving, particularly during the rainy season when wet roads, poor visibility and excessive speed significantly increase the risk of accidents.
Road safety advocates have advised drivers to maintain safe speeds, avoid dangerous overtaking, ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and adhere strictly to traffic regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Bayelsa State Police Command nor the Federal Road Safety Corps had issued an official statement on the accidents or confirmed the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash in Yenagoa. Investigations into the incidents are expected to commence.
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