A devastating road accident has claimed the lives of 12 people and left 14 others injured along the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja Road in Edo State, after a truck reportedly lost control while attempting a dangerous overtaking manoeuvre.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the crash occurred on Wednesday around Egono, near Ewu. The vehicle involved was said to be transporting both passengers and goods when the driver allegedly tried to overtake recklessly, leading to a loss of control, skidding off the road, and overturning.
Eyewitness accounts suggest that about 37 passengers were onboard at the time of the crash, making the impact even more severe as many were trapped inside the vehicle.
FRSC spokesperson, Patricia Onwochei, confirmed the incident and attributed the cause to wrongful overtaking and speeding, warning motorists again about dangerous driving habits on highways.
She also disclosed that one of the deceased victims had already been buried, while the remaining 11 bodies were deposited at St. Lazarus Hospital mortuary in the area.
Emergency responders were said to have rushed survivors to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while rescue operations continued shortly after the crash.
The tragedy has once again raised concerns about road safety in Nigeria, especially on major highways where overloading, speeding, and reckless overtaking remain common causes of fatal accidents.
