Again, commuter bus plunges into River Ososa

FILE PHOTO

A commuter bus travelling on the Sagamu-Ijebu-Ode-Benin Expressway, on Wednesday evening, plunged into River Ososa, having lost control while trying to overtake another vehicle.

TribuneOnline recalls that a Non-Academic staff of the Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu -Ijebu, Tajudeen Oropo, lost his life, last Saturday, when the vehicle he was travelling in flipped into the same river.

In a statement by the Federal Road Safety Corps Ogun State Command, the crash occurred when the driver of the bus attempted to overtake another vehicle on the bridge.

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The FRSC said its rescue team which included professional divers was immediately deployed to the scene of the incident for rescue operations.

As at the time of filing this report, the divers are still searching for the passengers of the ill-fated vehicle under the river.

The FRSC through its Public Education Officer, Florence Okpe, said the rescue operation was more difficult because of the rising level of water in the river, as a result of Tuesday heavy rainfall.

According to Okpe, the vehicle was travelling from Sagamu and heading towards the Ijebu Ode section on the expressway.

Okpe said the FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Clement Oladele, expressed sadness over the incident and again advised motorists to drive cautiously especially around bridges.

“Motorists are therefore strongly advised to reduce speed on abroaching bridges, to prevent the unpleasant situation of plunging into rivers.

“The Sector Commander has assured that the rescue operations would not be called off till the vehicle and the occupants are all brought out from the river

“The Sector Commander has also urged the Construction Company, RCC, to ensure that the safety railings around the bridge and other bridges en route the Sagamu- Ijebu Ode – Benin Expressway are quickly replaced, with illuminated warning signs provided around the bridge and the depression at the foot of the bridge quickly repaired, to prevent reoccurrence,” Okpe said.

Adekunle Rasak