By Kelvin Obambon
A tragic motor accident along the Calabar–Itu Highway has claimed the lives of at least two individuals, believed to be students of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS).
The incident, which occurred on the night of May 1, 2026, involved a head-on collision between a commercial coaster bus and a heavy-duty container truck.
According to a statement released by the Cross River State Police Command, the crash took place at approximately 9:25 PM at the Ikot Okon axis of the highway. Preliminary reports suggest that the coaster bus was transporting students when it encountered the truck.
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One victim was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash. A second victim, who had been rushed to the hospital in critical condition, succumbed to injuries in the early hours of Saturday morning.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command, confirmed that police operatives and emergency responders mobilized quickly to the site.
“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 (UCTH) for urgent medical attention,” the statement read.
While the injured are currently receiving treatment and the deceased have been moved to the hospital morgue, the police noted that the driver of the container truck fled the scene before first responders arrived. Authorities have launched a manhunt to identify and locate the driver as investigations into the exact cause of the collision continue.
The State Police Command has expressed its condolences to the families of the victims. In the wake of the tragedy, ASP Eitokpah urged motorists to prioritize safety and strictly observe traffic regulations.
“The Command commiserates with the families of the deceased and prays for the speedy recovery of those currently receiving treatment. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, maintain safe speeds, and strictly adhere to traffic regulations at all times,” the statement read.
Normal traffic flow has since been restored to the Calabar–Itu Highway following the recovery of the involved vehicles. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
