A total of 18 persons were burnt beyond recognition in an auto crash involving an 18-seater bus along Bida-Minna road in Niger State.

The accident occurred in the late hours of Saturday at about 3 am while they were travelling from Lagos to Kano.

Eyewitness accounts said the 18 passengers including the driver were burnt beyond recognition when the driver ran into a broken-down heavy tipper truck on the road.

Our correspondent learnt that the truck was parked on the road without any sign, leading to the accident as the driver of the 18 seater unknown of the danger ahead rammed into it.

When contacted, the Niger Command Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the incident.

He explained that one victim involved in the account is currently receiving medical attention in Minna hospital while confirming the death of 18 passengers who were burnt beyond recognition.

He, however, warned people to avoid night journies in view of the dangers that occur.

The bodies of the victims have been given mass burial at Gidan Mangoro Burial Ground outskirt of Minna, the state capital.