Several persons have reportedly lost their lives with many injured on Tuesday during the day five activities of the annual Calabar Carnival.

According to reports, the incident occurred in front of the Central Mosque at Bogobiri in Calabar during the “Bikers Carnival” part of activities lined up for the carnival.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cross River, Maikano Hassan who confirmed the incident, said it occured when a driver of a camry car lost control and rammed into crowd of onlookers.

Hassan who could not give the figure of casualty, said that the victims of the incident have been all evacuated to hospital.

According to him, “I am on my way to the hospital to ascertain the figure of deaths and those injured.

“But I can confirm that the reports is true and will get back to you as soon as am able to establish the number of casualties.”

Eye witness account however put the figure of deaths at no fewer than 20.

According to eye witness, the incident abruptly brought the day five activity to an end, where the state governor, Prof. Ben Ayade was already seated with other dignitaries.

It would be recalled that the annual carnival which started during the administration of Donald Duke, have not held for the past two years.

The carnival was suspended in 2022 due to the out break of COVID-19 pandemic while no reason was given for the carnival not holding in 2021.

According to reports, efforts were still been made to put some facilities in place for the 2022 edition of the carnival which was hurriedly put up.