Tragic Accident on Benin-Auchi Expressway Claims 8 Lives, Leaves Several Injured

Kadiri, J.E. | Agbede, Edo State.

A devastating accident on the Benin-Auchi Expressway has resulted in no fewer than eight fatalities, with several others sustaining injuries. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday evening at Agbede, in the Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, involving multiple trucks, one of which was reportedly owned by Dangote.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident unfolded when a truck, believed to be speeding from the Ewu direction, failed to notice the traffic buildup on the Agbede side of the road. By the time the driver realized the queue of trucks ahead, it was too late to brake, leading to a catastrophic collision. The impact caused vehicles carrying inflammable substances to burst into flames, exacerbating the tragedy.

Witnesses recounted that at least four individuals with varying degrees of injuries were rushed to the hospital. Tragically, one of the injured victims succumbed to their injuries before reaching medical care.

In the early hours of Monday, Corps Commander Cyril Matthew Zango, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), provided an on-the-spot update about the incident. He confirmed that FRSC personnel were immediately deployed to the scene to manage the situation, control traffic, and rescue victims. However, due to the intensity of the inferno, some victims trapped in the burning trucks could not be saved.

As of 5 a.m. on Monday, the unit commander of the Auchi FRSC was on-site monitoring the situation, while Corps Commander Zango was en route from Benin. He disclosed that seven bodies, burnt beyond recognition, were recovered from the scene. Efforts are underway to identify the victims and ensure their proper burial.

Corps Commander Zango attributed the accident to reckless driving and a lack of awareness on the part of the truck driver. He urged drivers to remain vigilant and in control of their vehicles at all times. Additionally, he called on truck owners to prioritize regular vehicle maintenance to ensure roadworthiness.

Zango also commended the swift response of FRSC officers and the Agbede community members who assisted in managing the crisis, describing them as the “heroes of the day.”

This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and the importance of road safety measures. Authorities continue to investigate the accident while urging all road users to exercise caution to prevent such disasters in the future.

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️ AUCHI BLOG & SERVICES | absnews.net.ng | auchiblog@gmail.com | 02/03/025 | Auchi, Edo State | +2348035761833 or +2347058276662

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