The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has reported that eight individuals lost their lives in a fatal accident at Agbede, along the Benin-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Cyril Mathew, the FRSC Sector Commander in Edo, disclosed this on Monday in Benin City.
He explained that the accident happened on Sunday when a truck, while descending Ewu Hill toward Auchi, experienced brake failure and collided with multiple vehicles caught in traffic.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that the impact caused a fire, which engulfed several vehicles, leading to multiple casualties. The accident involved four vehicles, including two fuel tankers carrying diesel and petroleum products.
“According to witness reports, one of the tankers lost its brakes and crashed into other vehicles, triggering a fire outbreak,” Mr. Mathew stated.
He further revealed that two people died at the scene, while four others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital. After the fire was contained, emergency responders recovered seven bodies, including the two fatalities recorded on Sunday.
“Unfortunately, one of the injured victims passed away on Monday morning, bringing the total number of deaths to eight,” he added.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the truck driver and his assistant had been shouting, “No brake! No brake!” before the collision. The victims were reportedly trapped in traffic and had no involvement in any illegal fuel scooping.
Mr. Mathew commended FRSC officials and local residents for their swift intervention, which helped prevent further casualties.