An accident in central Benin has left one person dead, nine rescued, and 44 others missing after a public transport bus plunged into the Ouémé River near the town of Glazoué, about 230 km from Cotonou.
According to the Interior Ministry, the incident occurred when the bus struck the railing of a bridge before falling into the river.
Interior Minister Alassane Seidou, who visited the scene overnight, confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing to locate the missing passengers.
The bus, carrying 54 people mainly from Benin and Nigeria, was en route from Lomé, the capital of Togo, to Niamey in Niger.
Initial reports from authorities suggest that the driver lost control of the vehicle before the crash.
Rescue teams continue efforts to recover victims and support survivors of the tragedy.
