The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that eight passengers were burnt to d3ath in a fatal accident at Agbede community along the Benin-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State.
Edo Sector Commander of the FRSC, Mr. Cyril Mathew, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, March 10, 2025, in Benin City.
According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred on Sunday, March 9, when a truck descending the Ewu Hill from Benin towards Auchi suffered brake failure and crashed into multiple vehicles caught in traffic. The impact ignited a fire that engulfed the vehicles, leading to multiple casualties.
The crash involved four vehicles, including two tankers carrying diesel and petroleum products.
“Based on reports from witnesses, one of the tankers lost its brakes while descending the hill and rammed into other vehicles, sparking a fire,” Mathew explained.
Two people died on the spot, while four others were rushed to the hospital. After firefighters extinguished the flames, emergency responders recovered seven bodies, including the two who d!ed on Sunday.
“Tragically, one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, bringing the total d3ath toll to eight,” Mathew stated.
Eyewitnesses reported that the truck driver and his assistant shouted, **”No brake! No brake!”** before the vehicle crashed into two other cars caught in traffic.
The FRSC commander commended his personnel and local residents for their swift response, which helped prevent further casualties.
