36 killed in road accident

A road accident between a fuel tanker and a luxurious bus along the Ore-Benin Highway in Nigeria is believed to have claimed about 36 lives.

An eye-witness says: for over five hours, the tanker was left burning as there was no fire service available.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), 36 persons were feared dead in the multiple fatal crash at Igbogui market along the Ore-Benin Highway which involved a Dangote truck, a tanker laden with pms (fuel) and a luxury bus belonging to the Young Shall Grow Transport Company.

Preliminary reports from the FRSC indicated that a tyre from the Dangote truck suddenly pulled out and rammed into the Tanker which caught fire immediately. The Luxury bus which was on speed, lost control and ran into the blazing fire, consuming its occupants.

However, an FRSC team was on hand to rescue 3 passengers while 30 others died from the Luxury bus. The Tanker driver with his conductor, in addition to the Truck driver and his conductor were also confirmed dead. Two children were also consumed by the fire which spread to a nearby mechanic workshop, burning 8 additional vehicles resulting to a heavy traffic gridlock.

In a statement signed by FRSC's Corps Commander / Corps Public Education Officer - Jonas Agwu, the FRSC stated that "disturbed by the recent spate of road crash fatalities linked to speeding and reckless driving , the Federal Road Safety Corps has concluded plans to evoke its statutory mandate by instituting legal actions against the driver and transport operators whose vehicles are responsible for such crashes. Part of this arrangement include the Corps’ resolve to assist victims and relations of road crash victims to seek compensation from such fleet operators."

* Credits: Video from Channels TV, Nigeria