Tragedy struck the Okete community in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday when a heavy-duty truck crashed into a residential building, killing 14 people, including three Muslims praying by the roadside.
The truck, reportedly en route to Abuja via the Otukpo-Oweto Road, lost control and veered off the road, slamming into a house where victims were sleeping. Eyewitnesses suggest brake failure as the likely cause of the accident.
“It appears the truck’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a house where some of the victims were sleeping,” a source said.
“Six people were killed instantly in the building, while three Muslims observing their morning prayers by the roadside also perished, “he added.
According to a report by Vanguard, initially, nine deaths were recorded, but the toll rose to 14 after five of the injured, who were rushed to the hospital, succumbed to their injuries.
Community members reportedly sprang into action, rescuing some of those trapped beneath the wreckage. “The community members, who were woken by the loud crash, managed to rescue some people who were trapped under the truck. This likely prevented the death toll from being even higher. It’s a tragic day for us,” the source added.
The driver and his assistant are currently unaccounted for, according to witnesses.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.
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