A tragic road accident in Edo State has claimed the lives of 12 people, with 14 others injured, according to official confirmation from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The incident occurred on the Auchi-Ewu-Benin road at Egono community, where a truck carrying both passengers and goods lost control during a dangerous overtaking maneuver. The vehicle skidded off the road and overturned, trapping several individuals inside. The FRSC spokesperson for Edo State, Patricia Onwochei, attributed the crash to wrongful overtaking at high speed, which led to the catastrophic outcome.
Onwochei confirmed that the truck was en route to Benin City when the accident happened. She stated that the vehicle was overloaded with both cargo and passengers, a common risk factor in Nigerian road crashes. The impact of the crash was severe, resulting in the immediate deaths of 12 people. One body was buried on the same day, while the remaining 11 deceased were taken to St. Lazarus Hospital mortuary for identification and further procedures. Among the injured, 14 people sustained varying degrees of harm and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
According to a source cited by DAILY POST, a total of 37 passengers were on board the truck at the time of the crash. Of these, 12 lost their lives, 14 were injured, and the rest escaped without major harm. The source emphasized that the truck was operating in violation of safety regulations by mixing goods and human passengers, a practice that increases the risk of fatal accidents. The vehicle’s fall trapped most of the victims, making rescue operations difficult and delaying emergency response.
This incident highlights the ongoing dangers of reckless driving and poor road safety practices in Nigeria. Despite repeated warnings from safety agencies, wrongful overtaking, overloading, and the use of commercial vehicles for mixed cargo and passenger transport remain prevalent. The FRSC has continued to urge drivers to adhere to traffic rules and avoid risky maneuvers, especially on highways. The Edo State Command has also called for increased surveillance and enforcement to prevent similar tragedies.
The accident has sparked concern among residents and transport stakeholders, who are demanding stricter enforcement of road safety laws. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to release further details on the circumstances leading to the crash. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures across Nigeria.
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