Benue: Multiple lives lost in fatal crash near NYSC orientation camp

A horrific road accident on Sunday evening has claimed several lives near the NYSC Orientation Camp along the Wannune–Gboko Road in Tarka Local Government Area of Benue State.

The fatal crash, which occurred shortly before nightfall, involved a Dangote Cement truck and a Toyota Sienna passenger vehicle. According to eyewitness accounts, the heavily loaded truck suddenly veered off its lane, colliding head-on with the oncoming Sienna.

The impact was devastating, crushing the smaller vehicle and trapping nearly all of its occupants inside. Rescue efforts by passersby and local residents were hampered by the extent of the wreckage, with emergency services later arriving at the scene to retrieve bodies and assist survivors.

Though the exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed by authorities, initial reports indicate that multiple fatalities were recorded, with several others critically injured.

One of the first responders at the scene shared a deeply emotional account of the rescue efforts:

“It’s something no one should ever see. We managed to force open the doors, and I tried to save the baby first. Sadly, she was already gone, her tiny legs were pinned under the seat. I gently carried her out… my heart was shattered.”

While the Sienna’s driver emerged without serious injuries, several passengers were not as lucky. Two men in the front seat were pinned down, one of them was reportedly still alive and gasping for breath as rescuers tried frantically to reach him. A woman sitting in the middle row died on the spot, her body crushed by the force of the truck’s impact on the right side.

Passengers in the rear seat sustained relatively minor injuries and were quickly evacuated through the vehicle’s windows by good Samaritans.

As the rescue operation progressed, the situation became increasingly tense due to the challenge of accessing those still trapped. According to the witness, a second truck was being arranged to help lift the Dangote vehicle and reach the victims beneath.

“My driver called me to say it was time to go, so I had to leave. But when I did, the two men in front and the deceased woman were still trapped,” the eyewitness explained.

The remains of some victims were later taken to St. Christopher Hospital in Wannune.

As of press time, officials have not yet issued a formal statement regarding the crash or the exact number of casualties.