By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
The University of Cross River State, UNICROSS, has expressed sadness over the fatal accident which claimed the lives of its three students and a staff member yesterday.
The accident happened on the Odukpani axis of Calabar-Itu federal highway at about 9pm when th students and others were returning from an engagement in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
In a statement signed by Onen Ebri Onen, the school expressed profound sadness over the tragic road accident which involved 24 students and one (1) staff member of the University.
The students were mostly members of the executive body of the Students’ Union Government (SUG).
The deceased have been identified as Comrade Solomon Uya, Director of Sports of the Students’ Union Government; Comrade Lucky Erim, Department of Chemistry and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association as well as President of Presidents; Comrade Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, the driver of the vehicle and a staff member of the University.
Survivors of the accident are currently receiving expert medical care at various hospitals.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Francisca Bassey, was accompanied by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Stella Maris-Okey, visited the affected individuals at the hospitals last night and remained with them until the early hours of today.
Meanwhile, the state police command has confirmed the fatal motor accident, saying it involved a container truck and a coaster bus conveying the students.
Police statement signed by ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata said
“Upon receipt of the report, Police operatives promptly mobilized to the scene and coordinated the evacuation of injured victims to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention. The bodies of the deceased were also evacuated to the hospital morgue. The Police further coordinated with relevant emergency responders at the scene, while normal traffic flow was subsequently restored after the evacuation and recovery operation.”
Police said the driver of the container truck was not found but that efforts were ongoing to identify and locate him as investigations continue to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding the crash.
