Benin Bus Accident Toll Rises to 37 After 10 More Bodies Recovered

Rescuers in Benin have recovered 10 additional bodies from a river into which a bus plunged over the weekend, bringing the total death toll to 37, authorities confirmed to AFP on Wednesday.

Six more passengers remain missing following the tragic accident, which occurred when the bus fell off a bridge into the Oueme River on the night between Saturday and Sunday, according to Abdel Aziz Bio Djibril, Director of the Civil Protection Authority.

Search operations are ongoing in case any survivors remain.

“On the first day, 27 bodies were retrieved, and on the second day, 10 more, making a total of 37,” Bio Djibril said.

Nine survivors were taken to hospital on Sunday, all reported to be in stable condition.

Accident Details

The bus had set off from Togo’s capital, Lomé, with 52 passengers on board. The accident occurred on Interstate 2, the main artery connecting the economic capital Cotonou to Malanville in the north, on the border with Niger.

Bio Djibril noted: “There are many Nigeriens among the passengers, but also Beninese and likely other foreign nationals.”

The incident highlights the complications posed by a two-year diplomatic standoff between Niger and Benin, which forces passengers intending to reach Niamey, Niger’s capital, to disembark at Malanville and cross the border undetected to continue their journey.

Authorities continue rescue efforts, prioritising recovery of missing passengers and providing support to survivors.