FAVOUR PERCY-IDUBOR
A commercial bus travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt plunged into the Ovia River, along the Benin/Lagos Expressway in Edo State.
The Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Cyril Mathew, who gave an update to journalists in Benin over the weekend, said six passengers have been rescued alive, two bodies recovered, while several others remain trapped in the river.
He reported that the FRSC had initiated rescue operations immediately after the accident and continued the efforts.
Mathew said according to survivors, the bus veered off the highway and plunged into the river around 4:20 pm on Thursday.
According to him, divers have been deployed to recover the remaining trapped passengers, though negotiations for their services are ongoing. “The divers have requested ₦2m for their recovery operations.
“The initial rescue mission was conducted on Thursday, with six people being rescued alive. Unfortunately, one body was recovered yesterday, and another was recovered today (Friday),” Mathew stated.
“The chances of survival for those still trapped are slim, given that the accident happened in the evening. Survivors of the crash revealed that the driver lost control of the bus due to brake failure.
“In an attempt to avoid colliding with vehicles in front, the driver veered into the opposite lane, crossing from the Ore-Benin-Lagos route to the Benin-Ore Road. Despite efforts to regain control, the bus struck a pavement and plunged into the river.
“The FRSC continues to coordinate with emergency services and divers to ensure a thorough recovery operation and provide support to the affected families”, he said.
