The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that eight people lost their lives in a tragic accident at Agbede, along the Benin-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Speaking in Benin City on Monday, the Edo State FRSC Sector Commander, Cyril Mathew, stated that the accident occurred on Sunday when a truck, descending the Ewu Hill towards Auchi, suffered brake failure and crashed into several vehicles stuck in traffic.
According to eyewitnesses, the collision sparked a fire that engulfed multiple vehicles, leading to several casualties.
The accident involved four vehicles, including two tankers loaded with diesel and petroleum products.
“Reports from witnesses indicate that one of the tankers lost control due to brake failure and rammed into other vehicles, triggering a fire,” Mr. Mathew explained.
He further stated that two people died at the scene, while four others were taken to the hospital with severe injuries. Emergency responders later recovered seven bodies from the wreckage, including the two fatalities from Sunday.
“Sadly, one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, raising the total death toll to eight,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the truck driver and his assistant were shouting “No brake! No brake!” before the crash occurred.
The victims, who were stuck in the traffic jam, had no involvement in any illegal fuel scooping.
Mr. Mathew praised both FRSC personnel and local residents for their prompt response, which helped prevent further loss of life.
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