One person was confirmed dead while four others sustained injuries in boat mishap that happened on the Gelegele River in Ovia South West Local Government of Edo State.
The boat accident it was gathered happened in the Gelegale river last week Thursday when a passenger boat allegedly collided with an oil barge belonging to one of the multi-national oil companies operating in the area.
The oil barge was said to have been ran out of fuel and was waiting to be refueled when the on-coming passengers boat rammed into it killing one person and injuring four others.
It was also gathered that the boat was conveying passengers, mostly market women from Ofunama community who were returning from the market.
It was further learnt that following the quick response from the Marine police of the Edo state command stationed in the area, a major tragedy would have occurred but was averted as most of the victims were rescued.
But, another source in the area who spoke to journalists however claimed that about seven persons died in boat mishap.
When contacted on the incident, the Edo State command’s spokesperson, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed the accident.
He said, ” Marine police confirmed that one person died and four other injured.”
“Twenty five persons were involved in the accident, one died and four injured while other were rescued unhurt.”
Chidi called on the people to imbibe safety culture and make sure that the right thing was done to avoid such accident.
•INDEPENDENTNG.