No fewer than 12 persons have been confirmed dead, while 14 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a tragic road accident at Egono village along the busy Benin–Auchi–Lokoja highway.
The devastating incident, which occurred in the early hours of the day, has once again drawn attention to the dangers associated with reckless driving and the use of unsafe vehicles on Nigeria’s highways.
Eyewitnesses at the scene recounted that the victims were travelling in a truck conveying both passengers and goods, an illegal but common practice on many intercity routes. According to accounts, the driver lost control of the vehicle while attempting a risky overtaking manoeuvre, causing the truck to veer off the road before overturning violently.
“The driver was trying to overtake another vehicle at high speed,” one witness said. “Before anyone realised what was happening, the truck swerved and flipped over. People were screaming, and many were trapped underneath the vehicle.”
The impact of the crash was severe, leaving several passengers pinned under the wreckage. Local residents and passersby were among the first responders, rushing to the scene in a desperate attempt to rescue survivors. Some victims were reportedly pulled out with the aid of crude tools before emergency services arrived.
Officials later confirmed that 12 persons lost their lives in the accident, while 14 others were rescued with injuries ranging from minor cuts to life-threatening conditions. The injured were immediately transported to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Authorities say the death toll could have been higher but for the swift intervention of local villagers who worked tirelessly to free those trapped beneath the overturned truck.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), which responded to the incident, attributed the crash to dangerous driving and overloading. An official at the scene noted that mixing passengers with goods significantly increases the risk of fatalities in the event of an accident.
“This is a tragic reminder of the consequences of reckless driving and non-compliance with safety regulations,” the official said. “Drivers must avoid dangerous overtaking, and vehicle owners should stop the practice of carrying passengers in trucks meant for goods.”
The Benin–Auchi–Lokoja highway, a major route connecting parts of southern and northern Nigeria, has long been associated with frequent accidents due to heavy traffic, poor road conditions in some stretches, and widespread disregard for traffic rules.
Road safety advocates have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of regulations, improved road infrastructure, and increased public awareness to reduce the alarming rate of accidents on Nigerian roads.
Families of the victims have been thrown into mourning, as the sudden loss of lives has left communities along the route in shock. For survivors, the experience is one they are unlikely to forget, as many continue to receive treatment and recover from both physical and emotional trauma.
As investigations into the crash continue, authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution, adhere to traffic laws, and prioritise safety over speed. The latest tragedy serves as a grim reminder that a single moment of recklessness on the road can have irreversible consequences.
For now, Egono village stands as the site of yet another painful chapter in the ongoing struggle to make Nigeria’s highways safer for all.
