A major tragedy was narrowly averted in Ughelli, Delta State, on Tuesday morning when a truck loaded with cooking gas reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into a school bus carrying pupils to school.
The incident occurred at the busy Agbarha Junction along the East-West Road, causing panic among residents, motorists and other road users who witnessed the crash.
Eyewitnesses said the gas-laden truck lost control after its braking system failed and crashed into a bus belonging to Marvel International School. The impact dragged the school bus several metres before both vehicles eventually came to a stop after hitting a road pavement constructed by Julius Berger.
Despite the severity of the collision and fears of a possible explosion, all the schoolchildren, school officials and occupants of the truck escaped unhurt.
Residents and passers-by quickly rushed to the scene to assist those involved and ensure the safety of the pupils.
The accident temporarily disrupted traffic around Agbarha Junction, one of the busiest intersections in Ughelli, before normal vehicular movement was restored.
Many residents described the incident as a miracle, expressing gratitude that what could have turned into a devastating disaster involving schoolchildren and a gas truck ended without any loss of life or injuries.
“This is nothing short of divine intervention. Looking at the extent of the damage, everyone expected the worst,” a resident who witnessed the incident said.
The near-miss has renewed calls for stricter vehicle maintenance checks, particularly for heavy-duty trucks transporting highly flammable materials on busy roads.