On Friday the 18th of September, no fewer than 31 mourners were feared dead on their way from a burial in Ebonyi state. According to records, the incident occurred in the state's Ivo Local Government Area at Akaeze Development Centre.

Reports also have it that the incident occurred about 5:45pm when the Mercedes Benz 608 bus carrying 36 people returning after a burial ceremony in Ebonyi while attempting to overtake a trailer, the driver lost control and the bus veered into the river at Akaeze bridge in Akaeze development centre.

As at the time of filing this report, only five persons in critical condition had been reportedly found and rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The Police Public Relations Officer for Ebonyi Command, DSP Loveth Odah, who described the accident as ‘very unfortunate incident’, said


“It is a very unfortunate incident. The DPO of the area just told me that about five persons have been rescued and rushed to the hospital while efforts were on to see if some other persons can be rescued too. Our men are already on ground to see what can be done to help the situation’’ Odah said.

The Coordinator of Akaeze Development Centre, Mr Sinbad, who also confirmed the incident said; “rescue has begun. There are a few dead bodies. I cannot fully confirm the situation now. One person is alive. We are looking for more people. We cannot ascertain the number of people.”