In the early hours of today, tragedy struck along the Benin-Ore expressway when a night bus heading to Lagos from Onitsha was involved in a fatal accident, resulting in multiple casualties.
According to eyewitness reports, the fully-loaded commercial bus had left Onitsha last night around 10 PM, as many passengers opted for the night journey due to its lower cost compared to daytime fares. Unfortunately, around 3 AM, just a few kilometres from Benin, the bus reportedly collided with a truck on the expressway.
The exact cause of the crash is yet to be confirmed, but some survivors hinted that the bus driver might have lost control after swerving to avoid a pothole. The accident left many passengers trapped inside the wreckage until emergency services arrived.
As of press time, the number of fatalities has not been officially confirmed, though local authorities fear that several lives were lost on the spot. Emergency responders have transported survivors with severe injuries to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The road, notorious for its poor condition and high rate of accidents, continues to be a source of concern for travellers. Families of the victims are urged to contact the relevant authorities for more information.
Local officials have advised caution for those travelling on the Benin-Ore expressway and urged the government to expedite road repairs and improve safety measures on the route.
Investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, as authorities work to identify the victims and notify their families.