Tragic Tanker Accident Claims Lives of Four Schoolchildren in Bayelsa

A tragic accident involving a fuel tanker has led to the untimely deaths of four schoolchildren along with a tricycle operator in Ibelebiri Community, situated in the Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The victims, identified as siblings, were on their way home from school in Otuasega Community when the incident occurred. Reports indicate that a tanker, belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), lost control and collided with the tricycle transporting them back home on Wednesday.

Local residents reported that the deceased driver was a relative of the children, who frequently provided transportation for them to and from school.

According to eyewitness Mr. Godstime Ike, a commercial tricycle operator on that route, the crash transpired shortly after the rider parked close to the children’s residence. One of the children had just crossed the street to reach home when the tanker struck the tricycle.

“It was at that moment that the tanker crashed into the tricycle, severely injuring those inside,” Ike recounted.

Remarkably, the child who had crossed the road survived the incident.

Ike emphasized that the tanker driver fled the scene immediately following the collision, but his assistant was eventually apprehended by military personnel and later handed over to the police for further investigation.

This incident has plunged the community into deep sorrow and shock. The Bayelsa State Police Command verified the accident and stated that the driver has been arrested. Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Musa Muhammad, confirmed that investigations are currently underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.