Thirteen bodies have been recovered from the Friday accident that occured in Akaeze-Ukwu River in Ebonyi State, where a commercial bus plunged into the river
This was after the intervention of other divers brought in from neighbouring states to support in the search and rescue of the victims.
THE PARROT had earlier reported how a bus conveying over 30 passengers plunged into the river along the Akaeze-Ishiagu expressway, Ivo local government of the state.
Five of the passengers, who were returning from a burial, were rescued and taken to hospital on Friday.
However, one of them died at the hospital while the others are reportedly still unconscious.
The chairman of the local government, Onyebuchi Ogbadu, confirmed the recovery of the extra 13 dead bodies on Saturday.
According to him, the state government had to bring in divers from Rivers and Cross River states to help in the search of the bus.
“The divers were able to locate the bus and pushed it up to enable the crane to pull it out,” he said.
The chairman said they are still searching for the remaining passengers aboard the bus.
“The driver said he was carrying 32 persons in the bus so we are still looking for about 13 or more persons.”
Mr Ogbadu said the driver was able to dive out of the bus as it was plunging into the river and was one of those rescued on Friday.
