Six killed, 12 hospitalised after truck rams into Benue Links bus along Makurdi-Otukpo road

Six persons have lost their lives in a tragic road crash along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway involving an 18-seater bus belonging to Benue Links and a truck reportedly owned by CHEC Construction Company.

The accident happened on Friday at about 4 p.m. near the abandoned Benue Burnt Bricks factory and left 12 other passengers injured with varying degrees of wounds.

An eyewitness explained that the commercial bus was transporting passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo and was already close to its destination when the collision occurred, barely three kilometres from Otukpo town.

According to the witness, five passengers died instantly at the scene, while another victim later died at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo (FUHSTHO), where the injured were taken for treatment.

“It is really unfortunate 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,” the eyewitness said.

“There was poor visibility because of the dust. The driver of the truck probably did not see the bus approaching and rammed into it. Five passengers died on the spot while another later died at the hospital,” he added.

The eyewitness further revealed that 12 other passengers survived the crash but sustained injuries of different degrees, including a seven-month-old baby.

A medical source at the hospital confirmed that the victims were quickly admitted and are currently undergoing treatment.

“Under the guidance of the medical team, the patients are receiving treatment and are responding positively to care,” the source said.

Also confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Links, Mr. Johnson Ehi, stated that the transport company had assumed responsibility for the medical expenses of the injured passengers.

“The casualty figure is six, they are five males and one female. The bus was an 18-seater, it was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo when the truck ran into it.

“The remaining 12 passengers are responding to treatment. We have taken over their medical bills at the FUHSTHO.”

Attempts to get a reaction from the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful as calls to her phone were not answered.