A heavy-duty truck with registration number Kaduna DKA 738 XB crashed into a residential building in the Okete community, Ohimini LGA, Benue State, in the early hours of Thursday, claiming 14 lives; among whom are three Muslims who were praying by the roadside.
The truck, en route to Abuja via the Otukpo-Oweto Road, reportedly veered off course after the driver lost control, allegedly due to brake failure. The cr+sh resulted in six d+aths at the scene, including individuals sleeping inside the building, and the three worshippers outside.
Sources revealed that the initial d+ath toll of nine rose to 14 after five survivors succumbed to their inj¥ries in the hospital. Community members were awoken by the cr+sh and managed to rescue some trapped victims, preventing further casualties.
According to a witness, “The truck’s brakes likely failed, causing the driver to lose control. It’s a tr+gic day for us.”
The driver and his assistant are reportedly missing following the incident.
Confirming the acc+dent, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the cr+sh.
