Car crash claims lives of tricycle rider and four others in Delta

A speeding car has led to the deaths of a commercial tricycle rider and four passengers in Delta State, South-south Nigeria.

Among the victims were a pregnant woman and a four-month-old baby.

A witness, Jude Okonkwo, shared with the News Agency of Nigeria that the accident took place around 8:25 a.m. on Saturday.

The crash occurred on the Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic, Azagba Road in Ogwashi-Uku, Aniocha South Local Government Area of Delta State.

Mr Okonkwo explained that a man was driving a Lexus 350 from the Azagba side at high speed. He allegedly swerved into the opposite lane and crashed into the oncoming tricycle.

The collision reportedly killed the tricycle rider and the four passengers on the spot.

The driver, who was not injured, reportedly left his car and ran away to escape an angry crowd.

Witnesses and passers-by later set the Lexus on fire before police officers from the Ogwashi-Uku Division arrived.

A combined team of police officers and local vigilantes caught up with the suspect and brought him to safety. He was taken into police custody soon after.

Witnesses noted that four of the victims were women traders heading from Ogwashi-Uku to the weekly Nkwor Azagba Market.

They were said to be transporting goods to the market along the Benin-Asaba Expressway.

When contacted, the police spokesperson in Delta, Bright Edafe, a police superintendent, said he was not aware of the crash.

“I am not aware of the incident. I have not received any brief from the police in Ogwashi-Uku on the incident. I will get back to you once I am briefed,” he stated.