Tragedy struck along the Calabar–Itu Highway in Cross River State as three students of the University of Cross River State and a staff member lost their lives in a road accident involving a coaster bus and a container truck.

The accident, which occurred on Friday night in Odukpani Local Government Area, involved a bus conveying students returning from an official assignment in Akwa Ibom State.

In a statement issued by the institution’s Public Relations Officer, Onen Ebri Onen, the university confirmed that 24 students—mostly members of the Students’ Union Government (SUG) executive—were involved in the crash.

Those who lost their lives were identified as the SUG Director of Sports, Solomon Uya; a Chemistry student and President of the Faculty of Physical Sciences Students’ Association, Lucky Erim; Favour Darlington of the Department of Educational Management; and Mr. Anthony Arikpo, a staff member who was driving the vehicle.

The Vice Chancellor, Francisca Bassey, expressed shock over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. She also visited injured students receiving treatment in hospitals alongside the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Stella Maris-Okey.

“The entire UNICROSS community mourns with the respective bereaved families and prays for the peaceful repose of the souls of the departed and for the swift recovery of those receiving treatment,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Police Force in Cross River confirmed the incident, noting that it occurred around 9:25 p.m. at Ikot Okon along the highway.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Akata, the crash involved a container truck and a coaster bus conveying students of the university, resulting in multiple casualties.

Police operatives evacuated the injured to the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in the morgue.

The command disclosed that the driver of the truck fled the scene, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend him as investigations continue.

Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution on highways while the cause of the crash is being determined.