A near-tragic incident occurred in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, on the night of Sunday, September 1, 2024, when an 18-seater bus plunged into the Kinnira River. Fortunately, all passengers had disembarked before the accident, leaving the bus empty when it veered off the road.

According to reports from OgbomosoOnline, the bus had been traveling from Iluju and was nearing its destination when the driver, identified as Mayowa, instructed the passengers to alight. It’s unclear whether the instruction was due to mechanical issues or other concerns, but this decision likely averted a disaster.

Shortly after the passengers got off, the bus continued moving on its own, possibly due to a brake failure or other technical malfunction, and plunged into the Kinnira River. The exact cause of the bus losing control remains under investigation, but initial reports suggest that a sudden loss of control may have led to the vehicle veering off the road.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as shocking, with the bus descending rapidly into the river. Fortunately, Mayowa, who was the only person left in the bus, managed to escape just in time. He sustained no injuries and was able to swim to safety, avoiding what could have been a fatal accident.

Local authorities have since been notified, and efforts are underway to retrieve the bus from the river. Residents of the area have expressed their relief that the passengers were no longer on board when the bus went off course. However, there is growing concern about the state of road safety and vehicle maintenance, as such incidents raise questions about the safety measures in place for public transportation.