At least eight persons have been reported dead after a vehicle broke into Ugep Central Market in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, South-South Nigeria.
Eye witnesses say the incident occurred around the road side market, when a Toyota Camry with failed brakes ran through shops, leaving three persons dead on the spot with five others pronounced dead at the hospital. Three persons who sustained injuries are responding to treatment at the hospital.
The vehicle reportedly had brake failure while descending from a hilly junction. The situation caused havoc with property worth millions of Naira also destroyed as a result of the a accident.
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Confirming the accident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Cross River State Command, DSP Irene Ugbo,said the intervention of the police led to rescue of the survivors who were immediately rushed to the hospital for medical attention
Ugbo however refused to confirm the number of casualties, saying the Command is waiting for official confirmation from the Ugep divisional headquarters.
Ugep, the headquarters of Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, is arguably the largest village in the West African sub-region with a central market linking the four corners of the village.