A road accident has claimed three persons at the Ikoli Bridge in the Swali area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, throwing the busy route into confusion and mourning.

The accident, which occurred on Saturday involved an articulated truck (Trailer) which reportedly developed brake failure while ascending the bridge. The loss of control caused the truck to crash into other road users, leaving several people injured.

Eyewitnesses said the impact caused panic as commuters and nearby residents rushed to the scene to rescue the victims trapped in the wreckage.

Some of the injured were taken to hospitals before the arrival of emergency services.

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The accident disrupted traffic flow for hours, as vehicles were forced to a standstill on both sides of the bridge, one of Yenagoa's major transport routes.

Confirming the incident, the police public relations officer of the Bayelsa State Police Command, ASP Musa Mohammad, said three persons died in the crash, while others sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention.

He said the commissioner of police in the state, CP Iyamah Daniel, immediately deployed police operatives and medical teams to the scene to evacuate the victims, secure the area and manage traffic.

Mohammad added that police officers ensured calm was restored and prevented further accidents, while traffic gradually returned to normal after the wreckage was cleared.