A heavy-duty truck on Thursday, crashed into a residential building, killing 14 people, including three Muslims praying by the roadside in Okete community, Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The truck, which was reportedly en route to Abuja through the Otukpo-Oweto Road, lost control and veered off the road, crashing into a house where victims were sleeping.
A source attributed the crash to a brake failure.
“It appears the truck’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a house where some of the victims were sleeping,” the source said.
“Six people were killed instantly in the building, while three Muslims observing their morning prayers by the roadside also perished”, it added.
Initially, nine deaths were recorded, but the toll rose to 14 after five of the injured, who were rushed to the hospital, succumbed to their injuries.
Meanwhile, Benue State police command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash.