A tragic road accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway in Cross River State has claimed the lives of four persons, including three students and a staff member of University of Cross River State.
The fatal crash occurred on Friday night in Odukpani Local Government Area when a coaster bus conveying students collided with a container truck while returning from an official assignment in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
In a statement released on Saturday, the university confirmed that 24 students, mostly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive, were involved in the accident.
Those who lost their lives were identified as the SUG Director of Sports, Solomon Uya; a Chemistry student and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association, Lucky Erim; Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, a staff member who was driving the vehicle.
The institution’s Public Relations Officer, Onen Ebri Onen, said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, visited the injured students receiving treatment at various hospitals alongside the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Stella Maris-Okey.
“The Vice Chancellor has expressed deep shock over this tragic occurrence and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased,” the statement read.
“The entire university community mourns with the bereaved families and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed, as well as the swift recovery of those currently receiving treatment.”
Meanwhile, survivors of the crash are undergoing medical care at different hospitals, with the university closely monitoring their condition.
The Cross River State Police Command also confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred around 9:25 p.m. at Ikot Okon along the same highway.
Police spokesperson, ASP Sunday Akata, said preliminary reports indicate that the bus, believed to be carrying UNICROSS students, was involved in a collision with a container truck, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.
According to the police, one victim died at the scene, while another succumbed to injuries later in the hospital.
Operatives reportedly evacuated the injured victims to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in the morgue. Traffic along the highway has since been restored following clearance operations.
The police added that the truck driver fled the scene, and efforts are underway to track and apprehend him as investigations continue to determine the cause of the crash.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on highways to prevent further tragedies.
PUNCH