Drivers protest after fatal road crash
Commercial bus drivers and some youths on Tuesday took over Siluko Road, in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, after the driver of a commercial bus died in an accident. Several of his passengers were feared dead.
Many commuters were stranded as vehicular movement and commercial activities were grounded after a mob blocked the road.
NationReformer.com learnt that the driver of the bus, identified only as Victor, died around 8pm on Monday when the accident happened around Oliha Market.
It was gathered that the bus, a Toyota Vanette, with the number plate, AYB 549 XP, was conveying passengers from the Ring Road area when it rammed into a stationary truck.
A source in the area said the truck, with the number plate, BEN 677 ZN, had developed a fault after it was cleared by the traffic light to move.
The truck was allegedly abandoned by the owner and was not towed away by traffic workers.
The heavy rain was reported to have blinded Victor, who rammed the bus into the truck.
The source said, “It was around 6pm on Monday when the truck stopped at the traffic light. When it was cleared to move, it could not move because it developed a fault. The driver came out and placed caution signs in front and at the back of the truck.
“I left for home when the accident happened. But seeing the impact of the accident, it is obvious that the bus driver, who was at top speed while it rained, rammed into the stationary truck.”
One of the protesters, Osamudiame Ehigiator, a bus driver, lamented that the accident could have been averted if the truck had been towed away from the road.
Another driver, Ikpomwosa Omosefe, said, “The truck developed a fault since Monday afternoon. When it rains, drivers hardly see clearly when driving.
“I believe that the deceased driver thought that the truck was on motion and that was what led to the accident.”
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Johnson Kokumo, who confirmed the accident, said one life was lost, adding that those who sustained injuries were taken to a hospital.
He said, “The true position is that there was a stationary vehicle on the road and the vehicle developed a fault. A bus conveying passengers rammed into the stationary vehicle from the rear.
“The driver of the bus died on the spot and that is the only death recorded so far. Others who sustained injuries were quickly taken to a hospital and are currently responding to treatment.”
