Tragedy struck in Benin City, Edo State, on Wednesday when a two year-old girl was killed after a Vannette bus reportedly rammed into pedestrians at the Ring Road area.

The mother of the deceased child was also said to have sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

Confirming the incident, CSP Moses Yamu, Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Edo, said it occurred at about 5:30 p.m.

According to him, the incident was reportedly caused by the driver’s attempt to evade arrest by members of the Edo State Public Safety Response team.

He said, “Following the accident, an angry mob descended on a member of the public safety response team, accusing him of being responsible for the tragedy. However, police operatives from the Esigie Divisional Headquarters swiftly intervened, rescuing the officer and taking him into custody for investigation.’’

Mr Yamu noted that the state police command had since launched a full-scale investigation into the incident, with efforts ongoing, to apprehend the fleeing driver.

He said, “Law enforcement officers have also gathered pictorial evidence and other records to determine the exact cause of the crash.’’

The police spokesperson quoted the state Commissioner of Police, Betty Otimenyin, urging motorists to obey traffic rules and cooperate with law enforcement authorities to prevent similar occurrences.

He said Ms Otimenyin emphasised the need for patience on the road, stressing that every road user had a duty to protect lives by adhering to safety protocols.

Mr Yamu however assured the public that those responsible for the accident would be brought to justice.

(NAN)