Several people have been confirmed dead following a tragic road accident involving a commercial bus conveying passengers to the burial of Bayelsa State’s late Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
The accident occurred on Friday along the Toru Orua axis of the Sagbama Ekeremor Road in Bayelsa State. The 18 seater bus was reportedly transporting mourners travelling to Ofoni, the hometown of the late deputy governor, for his final burial rites.
Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports indicate that the bus lost control while navigating the highway and crashed, leading to the death of more than ten passengers. Several others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving emergency medical treatment.
Local residents who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash described the incident as devastating, noting that rescue efforts were hampered by the severity of the impact. Emergency responders and good Samaritans worked together to evacuate victims from the wreckage before transporting them to medical facilities in the area.
The passengers were among hundreds of sympathisers travelling from different parts of the state and beyond to attend the burial of Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo. The former deputy governor died suddenly on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60, after collapsing in his office at the Government House in Yenagoa.
His burial, scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, followed a series of funeral activities, including a Day of Tributes that attracted high profile dignitaries. Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, former Governor Seriake Dickson, and other political leaders, traditional rulers, and associates of the late politician.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies and relevant authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the exact cause of the crash. Investigations are expected to be launched to determine whether factors such as road conditions, speeding, or mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
The incident has cast a shadow over the burial ceremony, deepening the sense of loss and grief among families, friends, and supporters who had gathered to pay their last respects to the late deputy governor.
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