While nine persons were reportedly burnt to ashes on the spot following an explosion that accompanied the accident, four others later died on arrival at the Niger Delta Teaching Hospital in Okolobiri.
It was gathered that the accident involved a 14-seater passenger bus and a diesel tanker truck believed to be conveying chippings to a construction site around the Ammassoma area.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred at about 8.45 pm on Wednesday.
“The bus and diesel truck collided and the bus burst into flames. Everybody in the bus was trapped and burnt beyond recognition. Four persons rushed to the hospital gave up the ghost,” one of the eyewitnesses, who craved anonymity, said.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that the passengers were burnt beyond recognition.
“When we arrived at the scene at about 10 pm there was nothing we could do,” they said.
They said the preliminary investigation showed that the accident was caused by speeding on the part of the diesel truck driver.
“We believe the truck driver removed the plate number and escaped from the scene of the accident. But the passenger bus carries plate number VA6243,” they said.
Spokesperson for Bayelsa State Police Command, Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.
He said the scene was gory and horrible.
By Simon Utebor, Yenagoa
