Five Rescued, Three Dead As Passenger Bus Plunges Into River In Ibadan

Five passengers were pulled out alive while three others died after a commercial bus veered off the road and plunged into the Ariyo River along Amuloko Road in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The Oyo State Fire Services Agency confirmed the incident on Thursday. Its Chairman, Maroof Akinwande, said the agency received an emergency alert on Wednesday from a caller identified as Mrs. Fadeke Yusuf, prompting an immediate rescue response.

According to him, firefighters arrived at the scene and discovered a Suzuki bus with registration number LEW 484 XA from Osun State carrying eight passengers that had lost control and ended up inside the river.

Rescue workers were able to save five occupants, who were rushed to Ona-Ara Private Hospital in the Jegede area for treatment. Meanwhile, three bodies were recovered from the water.

Akinwande added that the deceased were handed over to police officers from the Ogbere Divisional Headquarters, led by ASP Aishat Ibrahim.

He attributed the accident to reckless driving and urged motorists to be more cautious and obey traffic rules to avoid preventable tragedies on the road.

The fire service chief also acknowledged the support provided by the Oyo State Road Transport Management Agency, Ona Ara Division, as well as the Chairman of Ona Ara Local Government, Glorious Temitope, during the rescue operation.