Tragedy struck in the early hours of Saturday as a fatal collision between a Toyota Hiace bus and a truck resulted in the death of 12 passengers, who were burnt beyond recognition. The accident occurred around 5 a.m. along the Benin-Auchi highway at Igueoviobo community, near an army checkpoint.
Confirming the incident, the Edo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cyril Mathew, stated that the collision led to a fire outbreak, which engulfed the vehicles before rescue efforts could be initiated. Eyewitnesses at the scene described the impact as devastating, with flames consuming the bus and leaving little chance for escape.
Emergency response teams, including officials from the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, and local volunteers, were swiftly deployed to the accident site. However, the intensity of the fire hampered immediate rescue efforts. It was reported that the victims were trapped inside the bus, making it impossible for them to exit before the flames spread.
Preliminary investigations by the FRSC suggest that the accident may have been caused by excessive speed, loss of control, or possible brake failure. Authorities have, however, launched a full-scale inquiry to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Speaking on the incident, Commander Mathew reiterated the need for caution on highways, urging motorists to adhere strictly to speed limits, maintain their vehicles properly, and avoid reckless driving. He also emphasized that the FRSC would intensify road safety campaigns to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, the charred remains of the victims have been evacuated and deposited at a nearby morgue, while efforts are ongoing to contact their families for identification and burial arrangements.
This latest accident adds to the growing concerns over road safety in Nigeria, particularly along major highways notorious for frequent crashes. The FRSC continues to appeal to drivers and commuters to prioritize safety to reduce the alarming rate of road traffic accidents across the country.
More details are expected as investigations progress.
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