5 dead as fuel tanker crushes tricycle in Bayelsa

YENAGOA — Five people, including four children, were killed when a fuel tanker collided with a tricycle, popularly known as a Keke Napep, in Ibelebiri, Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

The tragic incident occurred Wednesday afternoon along the Ibelebiri stretch of the Yenegwe-Okarki-Ibelebiri-Otuasega road, throwing the predominantly farming and fishing community into mourning.

Eyewitnesses reported that the victims, pupils of a school in Otuasega Community, were returning home when the tanker—suspected to have suffered brake failure—skidded off the road and crushed the tricycle. The driver of the tricycle, a family member who regularly transported the children, also died in the accident.

According to an eyewitness, one of the pupils had already crossed the road to enter their home when the tanker, bearing an NNPC logo, struck the Keke, killing those inside before they could escape.

The tanker driver reportedly fled the scene, while the conductor was apprehended by military personnel in the area and handed over to the police.

A Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, commended local youths for peacefully securing the tanker and preventing further escalation.

DSP Musa Mohammed, Spokesman for the Bayelsa State Police Command, confirmed the incident and said authorities have launched an investigation.

“Investigation is ongoing into the case of a fatal motor accident that occurred at Ibelebiri, involving a tanker and a tricycle, in which five lives were lost,” he said.

Culled from vanguard