Uyo Bus Crash Kills One, Injures Several Ahead of Tinubu Visit
One person has reportedly died while several others sustained injuries after a bus conveying supporters to welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu crashed along Oron Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
The accident occurred on Friday, November 6, as residents and political supporters travelled towards the Victor Attah International Airport to receive the President during his official visit to the state.
According to reports by The Guardian and Premium Times, the crash involved an Akwa Ibom State Transport Corporation (AKTC) bus and a security Toyota Hilux vehicle. https://guardian.ng/breakingnews/one-dies-as-bus-conveying-apc-women-crashes-in-uyo/
Bus collides with security Hilux
The bus was reportedly conveying women supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to participate in activities welcoming Tinubu to Akwa Ibom.
The collision left both vehicles badly damaged, with several occupants reportedly injured and requiring emergency assistance.
Footage circulating on social media showed people at the scene attempting to rescue passengers from the damaged bus. Bystanders and responders were seen helping victims as the accident attracted attention along the busy road.
The precise circumstances leading to the collision had not been established at the time of reporting.
FRSC confirms accident, casualty details remain unclear
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Akwa Ibom confirmed the accident, according to reports by Premium Times and Daily Post Nigeria.
Paul James, the FRSC spokesperson for road safety operations in the state, said personnel had been deployed to the scene to assist with rescue operations.
However, James reportedly said the agency had yet to receive a full report from officers at the scene and could not immediately confirm the number of casualties or the circumstances surrounding the crash.
While The Guardian reported that one person had died and others were injured, the FRSC’s initial position was that the casualty details remained unverified.
The identities of the victims and the final number of injured persons had not been officially disclosed.
Accident occurs amid preparations for Tinubu’s visit
The crash happened amid heightened movement and traffic around Uyo as Akwa Ibom prepared to host Tinubu.
The President was scheduled to attend official engagements, including the commissioning of projects executed by Governor Umo Eno’s administration.
The visit also included political activities involving the APC, with supporters reportedly mobilised to welcome the President and participate in events.
The movement of supporters, officials and security personnel contributed to increased activity along roads leading towards the airport and other venues.
Investigation and official updates expected
The FRSC is expected to provide further information after its officers complete their assessment of the accident.
Authorities may also release additional details concerning the victims, the cause of the collision and any safety measures introduced following the incident.
The crash has raised concerns about transportation and road safety during large political gatherings, particularly where supporters are mobilised in groups.
As of the time of filing this report, the full casualty figures and cause of the accident had not been officially confirmed.
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