At least 12 people have lost their lives in a devastating road accident that occurred in Edo State, while 14 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The crash reportedly happened at Egono community along the Auchi–Ewu–Benin highway and was confirmed by the Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
According to the FRSC spokesperson, Patricia Onwochei, the accident was caused by wrongful overtaking.
A truck, which was transporting both passengers and goods to Benin City, attempted a dangerous overtaking maneuver at high speed before losing control and skidding off the road.
The vehicle reportedly fell and trapped several passengers inside, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
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Onwochei confirmed that 12 persons died in the crash, while 14 others were injured and taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment. She added that one of the deceased was already buried, while 11 bodies were deposited at St. Lazarus Hospital mortuary.
A source familiar with the incident said about 37 passengers were onboard the truck at the time of the crash. While 12 died and 14 were injured, others escaped unhurt.
Eyewitness accounts also revealed that the truck was heavily loaded with goods and passengers, and the impact of the fall caused many victims to be trapped before rescue efforts began.
Authorities say investigations are ongoing, while FRSC officials have once again warned motorists against dangerous driving, especially wrongful overtaking, which continues to cause avoidable deaths on Nigerian roads.
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