4 pupils, tricycle rider killed in Bayelsa tanker accident

Four school children, who are siblings, and a tricycle rider have lost their lives in a tanker accident at Ibelebiri Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, while returning from school on Wednesday. The school children, who were said to be returning from school in Otuasega Community to Ibelebiri community, where they reside, were […]

Four school children, who are siblings, and a tricycle rider have lost their lives in a tanker accident at Ibelebiri Community, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, while returning from school on Wednesday.

The school children, who were said to be returning from school in Otuasega Community to Ibelebiri community, where they reside, were hit by the NNPC tanker, which lost control and rammed into the tricycle they were inside.

Residents of the area told Daily Trust that the deceased tricycle rider was reportedly a family member of the school children, regularly transporting them to and from school.

A commercial tricycle rider who plies that route, Mr Godstime Ike, told Daily Trust that the accident occurred when the driver had parked his tricycle near the children’s residence, and one of the children crossed the road to the other side to enter their home when the tanker rammed into the tricycle, crushing those inside.

He said the tanker driver fled the scene before residents arrived, while someone who accompanied the driver was apprehended by military personnel and handed over to the police for further investigation.

The loss of the four children and the driver has left the community in deep shock.

Police spokesman in Bayelsa State, DSP Musa Muhammad, who confirmed the accident, said the driver has been arrested and an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the cause of the accident.