An accident between a truck and a commercial tricycle on the Yenagoa/Amassoma Road in Bayelsa State killed two Niger Delta University students in Amassoma.
The tragedy on Wednesday also left other passengers in the ill-fated tricycle badly injured.
Residents blamed the catastrophe on a lack of traffic signage and drivers’ overspending, as it occurred at a bend in the road.
The vehicle accelerated through the bend, lost control, and collided with the trike, crushing it.
A trader, Godspower Okilo, told reporters on Thursday that the truck driver was travelling too fast, and by the time he recognised the danger, it was already too late.
He said, “The Keke (tricycle) had no chance of escaping the danger because the tipper was already close to it.
“We’ve been complaining about reckless truck drivers on this road for years, but nothing changes.
“The dangerous impact left the tricycle damaged beyond recognition. Good Samaritans rushed to the scene, pulling survivors from the wreckage and transporting the injured to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa.
“The bodies of the deceased were later evacuated to a nearby mortuary.
“This incident has renewed calls for stricter traffic enforcement; the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the State Police Command should intensify patrols, introduce speed breakers, and conduct regular safety checks on heavy-duty vehicles.”
Mrs Ebike Ekain, a resident of the area, warns that if authorities do not take action now, more lives will be lost in accidents on the Yenagoa/Amassoma Road, which is the most dangerous road in Bayelsa State.
The reconstruction of the stretch from the Etegwe Roundabout to Tombia Community has resulted in several dangerous turns that motorists often ignore.
The Federal Road Safety Commission usually sends an ambulance to the scene, which is stationed at Tombia Community and occasionally at the roundabout leading to Agudama-Ekpetiama Community.
DSP Musa Muhammad, spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, confirmed the accident and said an investigation is underway to determine the cause.
“Yes, an accident happened there, and we are investigating the causes of the accident,” he stated.
