Odah said the identities of the deceased had yet to be ascertained.

She also said that four other persons sustained serious injuries in the accident that occurred around 2 p.m.

An eyewitness, Mr Joseph Okoro, said that the vehicle was on top speed when it had a tyre burst and somersaulted, killing the three on the spot.

Okoro said that the accident involved an 18-seater bus.

It was learnt that the injured were taken to hospital, while the remains of the deceased were deposited in a morgue in the area.