A tragic accident along the Benin-Auchi highway in Agbede, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, has claimed the lives of eight people, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed.
Edo Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, disclosed in Benin City on Monday that the incident occurred on Sunday when a truck, descending Ewu Hill from Benin towards Auchi, suffered brake failure and crashed into multiple vehicles caught in traffic.
The impact triggered a devastating fire, engulfing four vehicles, including two tankers loaded with petroleum products.
“Eyewitnesses reported that one of the tankers lost its brakes while descending the hill and rammed into other vehicles, igniting a fire,” Mathew explained.
Two people were killed instantly, while four others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Emergency responders later recovered five more bodies from the wreckage, and by Monday morning, one of the injured victims had succumbed, bringing the death toll to eight.
READ ALSO: Brake Failure Causes Fatal Accident, Claims Three Lives in Lagos
According to Mathew, eyewitnesses recalled the truck driver and his assistant desperately shouting, “No brake! No brake!” moments before the crash.
The victims were reportedly caught in the congestion and had no involvement in any illegal fuel scooping.
The FRSC commander praised his officers and local residents for their quick response, which helped contain the situation and prevent further casualties.