Two die, many injured as bus crashes on way to Bayelsa deputy gov’s burial

By Nathan Nwakamma

Two person have been confirmed dead in an accident involving an 18-seater bus carrying passengers to the Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s burial along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama/Ekeremor Road of the state on Friday.

Though there were initial reports that 10 people died in the accident, Prof Seiyefs Brisibe, Bayelsa Commissioner for Health, however, dismissed the claim.

While confirming the crash in a telephone chat, Brisbe said two of the victims died on the spot while the other passengers were taken to hospitals for treatment

The Bayelsa Commissioner dismissed rumours that more than 10 people died in the incident.

He said Gov Douye Diri of Bayelsa had directed him to ensure provision of adequate medical care for the victims as the state government would pick the medical bills of the victims.

“Our State Ambulance Services promptly responded and evacuated the victims to hospitals.

“Seven were taken to Sagbama General Hospital, while 10 were taken to the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital at Okolobiri.

“Two passed on at the accident scene while the rest are in stable conditions as we speak. The speculation that more than 10 died is false.

“The deployment of our fleet of ambulances helped to bring prompt medical help to the victims,” he said.

The burial ceremony of the late deputy governor, Dr Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at Ofoni, in Sagbama Local Government Area, was underway at the time of filing this report.

Ewhrudjakpo, aged 60, slumped and died on Dec 11 while performing his duties at the Government House, Yenagoa. (NAN)