Several people were on Thursday reportedly killed when two bullion vans loaded with cash went ablaze after a head-on collision with a tanker, suspected to be conveying petrol at Abudu, in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

It was gathered that ‎two commercial buses were also caught in the accident.

Although the casualty figure could not be ascertained as of the time of filing the report, a source said many lives were involved in the accident.

The source said while thick smoke billowed from the fire, the smell of new naira notes could be perceived by onlookers.

It was, however, learnt that security operatives were mobilised to the scene from nearby security formations  to forestall any invasion by hoodlums.

The incident was also said to have led to a diversion of traffic and a gridlock with many passengers stranded as the dual carriageway was converted to a single lane.

‎When contacted, the spokesman for the state command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, George Otoaviokhai, told our correspondent that while an accident was recorded in the area, he was yet to get the details.

But the Delta Sector Commander, Rindom Kumven, explained that multiple vehicles were involved in the accident.

Kumven said though the accident did not occur  within his jurisdiction, officials from the Issele-Uku unit were mobilised to join in the rescue operation.

He also added that the number of human casualties was yet to be ascertained from the operation.

Kumven said, “Multiple vehicles were involved in the crash and, actually, there was loss of lives. But I cannot give you the figure right now.

“The tanker was carrying a product, and that was why it went up in flames.

“For now, I cannot give you a comprehensive report about the cause of the accident. But even though it occurred in Edo State, I called men at Issele-Uku to mobilise to the scene for rescue operation.”

The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Haliru Gwandu, said he only received the report of a ‎fatal accident in Abudu.

Gwandu who spoke with our correspondent on the telephone on Thursday evening, said, “Well, I have not received that situation report.

“I have not received any information about bullion vans. But I know I received a report about a fatal accident. The same Abudu DPO told‎ me about a fatal accident, not bullion vans containing millions of naira or dollar.”

Gode

CHEI... too bad

Which bullion vans? Nigerian media like twisting facts to suit the elites. The accident was caused by the bullion van. The bullion van had a burst tyre, instead of the police and drivers to clear off the road, they used one of their vehicle to block the whole road knowing fully well, that there is very sloppy and descending to a river. The block the road without putting any sign ahead of them. They just wanted to divert traffic just like that in other to repair the tyre. A trailer that was descending the sloop at top speed didn't see their cars on time and held a forceful break which made other motors following the trailer to hit the trailer at the back and this ignited the fire involving two hummer buses, two small car and a motorcycle that was carrying blackmarket petrol. The trailer didn't hit the bullion van or any of their motorcades and the police didn't even do anything as all this was happening apart from standing guild to the bullion van. Safeguarding money over more than 50 human lives. They repaired or change the tyre later and left after wasting precious lives.

oh lord
this Xmas the guy above me
thanks for the story

Lamb of GOD, you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us.

wow