Tragic road accident claims 8 lives in Edo

A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of eight passengers at Agbede, a community along the Benin-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday.

According to the Edo State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, the accident happened when a truck lost its brakes while descending Ewu Hill. The out-of-control vehicle rammed into several cars that were stuck in traffic, resulting in multiple fatalities.

Eyewitness reports indicate that the impact caused a fire outbreak, leading to the death of eight passengers, who were burnt beyond recognition.

He said the crash involved four vehicles, including two tankers carrying diesel and petroleum products.

“Based on reports from witnesses, one of the tankers lost its brakes while descending the hill and rammed into other vehicles, sparking a fire,” he explained.

He further disclosed that two people died on the spot, while four others were rushed to the hospital.

After the fire was extinguished, he said emergency responders recovered seven bodies, which included the two that died on Sunday.

“Tragically, one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, bringing the total death toll to eight.

“Eyewitnesses recounted how the truck driver and his assistant shouted, “No brake! No brake!” before crashing into two other vehicles caught in the traffic.

“The victims were reportedly trapped in the congestion and they were not involved in any illegal fuel scooping,” he said.

The FRSC commander commended his personnel and local residents for their swift response, which helped prevent further casualties.