Fatal crash in Benue claims six lives, leaves dozen hurt after bus and lorry crash

A devastating road accident occurred on the Makurdi-Otukpo highway, resulting in the loss of six lives when an 18-seater Benue Links bus collided with a truck allegedly owned by CHEC Construction Company on Friday evening at approximately 4 pm.

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The accident happened near the defunct Benue Burnt Bricks factory, leaving 12 other passengers with varying degrees of injuries, according to reports.

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An eyewitness account revealed that the ill-fated bus was transporting passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo and was almost at its destination when the crash occurred, less than three kilometres from Otukpo town.

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The eyewitness disclosed that five passengers died instantly at the scene, while another victim later succumbed to injuries at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where the injured were rushed for medical attention.

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The eyewitness described the accident as unfortunate, stating that the passengers were already in Otukpo and heading into town when the truck ran into the bus on the dusty road due to the ongoing construction work, resulting in poor visibility.

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The driver of the truck likely did not see the bus approaching and rammed into it, the eyewitness added, resulting in the deaths of five passengers on the spot and another at the hospital.

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Some of the 12 surviving passengers, including a seven-month-old infant, sustained various injuries, according to the eyewitness.

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A medical source at the hospital reported that the victims were promptly admitted and are currently receiving treatment, stating that under the guidance of the medical team, the patients are responding positively to care.

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Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Links, Mr. Johnson Ehi, stated that the company had taken responsibility for the treatment of the injured passengers.

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Mr. Ehi provided details on the casualties, saying the figure was six, consisting of five males and one female, and that the bus was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo when the truck ran into it.

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The remaining 12 passengers are responding to treatment, and Benue Links has taken over their medical bills at the FUHSTHO, according to Mr. Ehi.

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Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful.