CurrentReport Blog At least six students of Federal University Lokoja (FUL) and a shuttle bus driver have been feared dead after a fatal road accident involving an articulated vehicle in Kogi State. The tragic incident occurred on Monday afternoon near the institution, sending shockwaves through the university community.
How the Accident Happened
Eyewitnesses reported that the accident took place around 2:30 pm when a truck carrying wood and jerry cans of palm oil lost control and crashed into the FUL shuttle bus filled with students.
According to a source, the shuttle bus was about to convey students to the university when the truck, which was headed toward the Abuja axis, rammed into it. The impact of the collision completely crushed the shuttle bus, leading to multiple fatalities.
Emergency Response and Casualty Update
Officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) arrived at the scene promptly and worked tirelessly to rescue victims trapped under the truck. The Kogi State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Samuel Oyedeji, who led the rescue operation, stated that:
- Some victims lost their lives on the spot, while others sustained critical injuries.
- The injured victims have been taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, and Kogi State Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.
- The bodies of the deceased have been deposited in the morgue for proper identification.
Although the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed, sources indicate that at least six students and the driver of the shuttle bus did not survive the crash.
Reactions from the University Community
The tragic incident has left students, lecturers, and staff of Federal University Lokoja in deep shock and mourning. Many students have expressed concerns over the safety of university transportation and the need for stricter traffic regulations along major routes leading to the institution.
A student who witnessed the accident lamented, “It was a terrifying scene. The impact was so severe that there was little chance for those inside the bus to escape.”
Call for Action on Road Safety
Following the accident, there have been renewed calls for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations to prevent similar tragedies in the future. Many road users have urged authorities to:
- Ensure articulated trucks undergo proper maintenance before hitting the roads.
- Enforce speed limits on highways, especially in school zones.
- Improve road infrastructure to enhance safety for pedestrians and vehicles.
This tragic accident serves as a reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures across Nigeria. As families mourn their loved ones, authorities must take decisive action to prevent future occurrences and ensure safer transportation for students and commuters.
