Posted by By Austin Ogwuda on
TRAGEDY struck in the early hours of yesterday following a ghastly motor accident which occurred at Okpanam junction on the Benin-Asaba highway, leaving no fewer than six persons dead
ASABA - TRAGEDY struck in the early hours of yesterday following a ghastly motor accident which occurred at Okpanam junction on the Benin-Asaba highway, leaving no fewer than six persons dead, while 28 other wounded passengers have been admitted in different hospitals in Asaba.
The accident, according to an eyewitness, took place around 3.30 am on Sunday when a big commercial bus, otherwise known as ‘‘molue'' collided with a Coca-Cola truck.
It was gathered that the fully loaded bus left Lagos on Saturday afternoon and was heading to Benue State when the accident occurred.
The passengers in the bus were strongly believed to be peasant farmers from Benue State operating in camps on the outskirts of Lagos, travelling home for an undisclosed ceremony.
The Coca-Cola truck, according to the eyeswitness, was being driven against the traffic while the bus itself was on top speed.
However, as at the time of this report, men of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) had succeeded in clearing the accident scene.
It was not possible to know the number of vehicles involved in the accident when Vanguard called at the FRSC office yesterday afternoon as one of the officials on duty said he was not competent to comment on the incident.
The 28 wounded persons were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Asaba and St. Rebecca Hospital Asaba for treatment.
Confirming the accident, the Delta State Sector Commander of FRSC, Mr. Sunday Maku told Vanguard on phone yesterday afternoon that "yes, it is true six people died instantly. I was there personally to ensure that the highway was cleared to allow free flow of traffic and I was told that the six persons that died had been taken to the mortuary. But I must say the accident was as a result of over speeding on the part of the bus", he stated.
On the number of the two vehicles, he said "I am not in the office right now so I cannot easily give them to you, but please call tomorrow."