Tragedy struck in Bayelsa State on Friday as an 18-seater bus conveying mourners to the burial of the late Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, was involved in a fatal road accident along the Toru-Orua axis of the Sagbama–Ekeremor Road.
Initial reports according to Sahara Reporters indicate that more than 10 passengers lost their lives in the crash, which occurred on the busy stretch of road linking several riverine communities. The exact cause of the accident has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.
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Several other occupants of the bus sustained varying degrees of injuries and were immediately taken to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention. Emergency responders and residents were said to have assisted in rescuing survivors from the wreckage.
The victims were travelling to Ofoni, Sagbama Local Government Area, to attend the burial of Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who died suddenly on December 11, 2025, at the age of 60 after collapsing in his office at the Government House, Yenagoa.
The burial, scheduled for Friday, follows a series of funeral activities held in his honour, including a Day of Tributes that drew high-profile dignitaries from across the country.
Among those in attendance were former President Goodluck Jonathan, Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, and former Governor Seriake Dickson.
The ugly incident has sent shocking waves to society.
Authorities are expected to commence investigations into the crash, while calls have renewed for improved road safety measures along the Sagbama–Ekeremor corridor, which has witnessed several accidents in recent years.
