A student transit cab caught fire in the early hours of today on Ugbowo main campus of the University of Benin, Edo State, Igbere TV reports.
Our correspondent reports that luckily, no life was lost in the fire incident.
Igbere TV reports that the Audi car with plate number BEN-302RF was heading towards ‘Buka’ area from main gate when it caught fire at the front of NDDC hostel.
One of the occupants of the vehicle told Igbere TV that the fire started from the bonnet after they observed some irregularities with the gear selector.
She said: “We were just coming from main gate and heading towards our hostel when we noticed smoke coming from the gear selector.
“We quickly alerted the driver and he made urgent attempt to open the car’s bonnet.
“Unfortunately, the bonnet was already hot. By the time he managed to open the bonnet a fire suddenly ignited from nowhere and the next thing we heard was a ‘BOOM’. The vehicle was gone”
Our correspondent reports that about four female students were on board at the time and they all managed to to escape unhurt.
Igbere TV learnt that by the time the university’s Fire Service arrived the scene, the vehicle had burnt down completely.
It was alleged that the Fire Service vehicles lacked enough water to quench the fire.
By the time our news crew arrived the scene, the fire fighters had managed to put out the fire and the carcass of the burnt automobile was seen lying across the road.
Also, the driver of the cab was seen in uncontrollable tears. It was gathered that he is not the owner of the vehicle but operating it on hire purchase also known as ‘balance and carry.’
See photos and video obtained exclusively by Igbere TV below…
