By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Bus Accident in Oyo State
Three people died and five others were rescued after a commercial bus plunged into the Ariyo River on Wednesday along Amunloko Road in Ona-Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State. The incident happened around 3:38 pm after the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle. Officials of the Oyo State Fire Services Agency carried out the rescue operation.
Distress Call Triggers Emergency Response
According to Moroof Akinwande, Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Fire Services, the agency received a distress call from a resident, Fadeke Yusuf.
The caller reported that a vehicle had plunged into the river along Amunloko Road. Immediately, firefighters moved to the scene to begin rescue operations.
Rescue Operation at Ariyo River
Upon arrival, the rescue team discovered a Suzuki commercial bus with registration number OSUN LEW 484 XA inside the river.
The bus carried eight passengers when the accident occurred. Rescue workers quickly searched the vehicle and surrounding water.
As a result, they pulled five occupants out alive. Emergency responders rushed them to Ona-Ara Private Hospital in the Jegede area for treatment.
Unfortunately, the team recovered three victims dead from the river.
Police Take Custody of Victims
Officials handed the bodies of the deceased to police officers from the Ogbere Divisional Headquarters.
The team was led by ASP Aishat Ibrahim. The police later began necessary procedures following the recovery.
Authorities Blame Reckless Driving
Akinwande blamed the accident on reckless driving. He also urged motorists to follow traffic regulations and drive carefully.
Furthermore, officials of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority from the Ona-Ara Division assisted during the rescue operation.
The Chairman of Ona-Ara Local Government, Glorious Temitope, also monitored the emergency response.
Call for Safer Driving
Authorities stressed the importance of road safety. They advised drivers to obey traffic rules to prevent avoidable accidents across the state.
