Edo: Police scamper for safety as bus suffers brake failure at checkpoint

Police officers conducting a stop-and-search operation along the Benin-Auchi expressway in Benin City, Edo state capital, were forced to flee in different directions when a commercial bus reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into vehicles at a checkpoint.

The incident, which occurred weekend near DVD Filling Station, close to Kilimanjaro, caused panic among motorists, residents and passersby as the red commercial Mitsubishi bus reportedly approached the checkpoint at high speed before colliding with a mini bus and another vehicle.

The sudden development created a frightening scene, with police officers and other persons at the checkpoint scampering for safety as the bus reportedly careered towards vehicles and people in its path.

According to eyewitnesses, the officers had stopped vehicles for routine checks when the commercial bus suddenly lost its brakes, leaving the driver unable to control the vehicle.

An eyewitness, Godswill Fella, said the police officers immediately realised the danger and ran away from the path of the approaching bus.

He said, “The police officers were conducting checks at the checkpoint when the incident occurred. They stopped vehicles and other vehicles were there. The red bus hit the mini bus and one other. We learnt it was brake failure that caused the accident.

“The police officers immediately realised the danger of the brake failure and ran away from the path of the approaching vehicle.”

Fella added that the bus was travelling at considerable speed when it reached the checkpoint, making it difficult for the driver to stop after the brakes reportedly failed.

He explained that the  incident could have resulted in a more serious tragedy if the bus had struck more vehicles or pedestrians gathered around the checkpoint.

Another eyewitness, Nelson Ayemere, described the incident as frightening, pointing out that people around the area hurriedly moved away from the vehicles to avoid being hit.

Blueprint.ng gathered that no death was recorded in the accident, although some persons reportedly sustained injuries and were rushed to a medical facility for treatment.