CALABAR, Nigeria – One passenger was killed and three others injured when a tree unexpectedly fell onto a moving minibus on the Murtala Muhammed Highway in Calabar, on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
With the number plate ABE 393 XA, the bus was on its way from Watt Market to 8 Miles when the tree fell, crushing the vehicle and its four occupants, two males and two females. The incident occurred before the SUBEB office, a busy city area.
Confirming the calamity, the Director and Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer in the state, Paul Bepeh, expressed his sorrow over the unfortunate event.
The minibus driver was injured, losing both legs in the incident.
Bepeh said, “It is quite unfortunate that the accident claimed a life today, which was no fault of the driver but nature.” He added, “Our men rushed to the incident scene and took the injured to the hospital. Unfortunately, one of the victims, who sat close to the door, gave up the ghost while the bus driver lost both legs because the tree that fell had so much weight on his side.”
PHOTOS FROM THE SCENE
As a result of the calamitous event, the local authorities have begun to review the safety of local infrastructure, specifically the condition of trees along the roads.
Bepeh stated, “We are collaborating with relevant agencies to ensure the needful is done as it concerns old and weak trees along our roads to forestall any recurrence.”
This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of adequate infrastructure maintenance and safety checks to prevent future loss and injury.
The local community mourns the loss of life and hopes for a swift recovery for the injured.
