A tragic accident on Saturday morning along the Benin-Auchi Expressway claimed the lives of 12 passengers, who were burnt beyond recognition after a Toyota Hiace bus collided with an oncoming truck.
The Edo Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Cyril Mathew, confirmed the fatal crash, which occurred around 5 am at Igueoviobo community, near an army checkpoint on the highway.
“The entire occupants of the bus were killed in the crash,” Mathew stated.
According to the FRSC official, the bus, which took off from Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and was en route to Benin, crashed head-on with the truck heading toward Auchi.
“The accident likely resulted from fatigue, as the driver may have dozed off, leading to the collision,” he explained.
The impact of the crash triggered an inferno, engulfing the bus and leaving no chance of survival for the victims.
Mathew revealed that FRSC officials were able to identify the deceased through the vehicle’s manifest, and their families have since been contacted.
Meanwhile, the truck driver and his assistant, known as the “motor boy”, reportedly escaped unhurt.
The FRSC commander once again cautioned drivers, particularly those on long-distance trips, against driving while fatigued.
“We urge drivers to stop and rest whenever they feel tired to prevent similar tragedies,” he advised.
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