A horrific auto crash on the Benin-Auchi highway in Edo State has claimed the lives of 12 passengers, leaving families and communities in mourning. Naija247news gathered that the accident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, involved a commercial bus and a tanker, both of which burst into flames upon impact, trapping occupants inside.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the bus, en route from Benin City to Auchi, collided head-on with the tanker at a sharp bend near the Ehor community. Eyewitnesses reported that the collision caused an immediate explosion, engulfing both vehicles in flames and making rescue efforts nearly impossible. “It was a terrible scene. The fire was too intense, and we couldn’t save anyone,” said Mr. Osagie Igbinoba, a local resident who witnessed the incident.
Naija247news understands that the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and local emergency responders arrived at the scene within minutes but were unable to extricate any survivors due to the severity of the fire. The bodies of the victims were recovered and taken to a nearby morgue, while the wreckage of the vehicles was cleared to restore traffic flow on the busy highway.
The FRSC has attributed the crash to speeding and poor road conditions, which are common factors in accidents along the Benin-Auchi route. According to Naija247news, the highway has been a hotspot for fatal crashes, with many calling for urgent repairs and stricter enforcement of traffic regulations. “This road is a death trap. The government must act before more lives are lost,” said Mrs. Grace Okon, a trader who frequently uses the route.
The Edo State Government has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and promised to investigate the incident. Naija247news reports that Governor Godwin Obaseki has directed the Ministry of Infrastructure to assess the condition of the highway and recommend immediate measures to improve safety.
Meanwhile, the tragic incident has reignited calls for better road safety awareness and enforcement. Naija247news gathered that the FRSC plans to launch a sensitization campaign targeting commercial drivers and transport unions to emphasize the dangers of speeding and reckless driving.
As families prepare to bury their loved ones, the Benin-Auchi highway crash serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need to address Nigeria’s road safety challenges. According to Naija247news, the loss of 12 lives in such a devastating manner underscores the importance of collective action to prevent future tragedies. For now, the nation mourns, hoping that this incident will spur lasting change.
