The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says eight passengers were burnt to death in a road accident in Agbede community along Benin-Auchi road, Etsako West LGA of Edo state.
Cyril Matthew, FRSC sector commander in the state, said the incident occurred on Monday when a truck descending the Ewu Hill from Benin towards Auchi suffered a brake failure and crashed into several vehicles stuck in traffic.
He said the collision involving four vehicles — two tankers conveying diesel and petrol — caused an explosion resulting in several casualties.
Matthew added that after the fire was extinguished, seven bodies were recovered.
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“Based on reports from witnesses, one of the tankers lost its brakes while descending the hill and rammed into other vehicles, sparking a fire,” NAN quoted Matthew as saying.
“Tragically, one of the injured victims succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, bringing the total death toll to eight.
“Eyewitnesses recounted how the truck driver and his assistant shouted, “No brake! No brake!” before crashing into two other vehicles caught in the traffic.
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“The victims were reportedly trapped in the congestion and they were not involved in any illegal fuel scooping.”
The FRSC commander commended the operatives and local residents for their swift response to the incident, which helped prevent further casualties.
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