The accident scene

An accident on the Benin-Auchi-Okene highway yesterday claimed the lives of no fewer than 13 persons when a lorry conveying building materials fell on top of a Toyota Hilux commercial bus at Ewu-Irrua axis of the express road.

The driver of the bus was said to have died on the spot.

Six other passengers were taken to hospital for medical attention.

A source told our correspondent that the lorry was carrying iron rods and was coming from Auchi to Benin, while the bus was coming from Benin to Auchi.

An eyewitness told our correspondent that he saw severed human parts, while their remains were taken to Irrua Specialist Hospital.

The sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Ken Nwaegbe, who confirmed the incident, said the auto crash occurred when the trailer crashed onto the passenger bus.

At the time of filing this report last night, Nwaegbe said the command had recovered 13 dead bodies, while the injured were taken to hospital for treatment.