No fewer than 12 persons have reportedly lost their lives in a fatal road accident in Edo State, while 14 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Hobnob News reports that the crash occurred at Egono community along the busy Auchi–Ewu–Benin Road.
The spokesperson of the Edo State Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Patricia Onwochei, confirmed the incident, attributing the cause of the accident to wrongful overtaking.
According to Onwochei, the truck involved in the crash was conveying both passengers and goods and was heading towards Benin City when the driver dangerously attempted to overtake another vehicle at high speed. In the process, the truck lost control, skidded off the road, and fell, trapping several passengers.
She disclosed that 12 persons died in the accident, while 14 others sustained injuries and were rushed for medical attention.
Onwochei further revealed that one of the deceased victims had already been buried, while the remains of the other 11 victims were deposited at the mortuary of St. Lazarus Hospital.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the incident told Hobnob News that about 37 passengers were involved in the crash. Of the number, 12 died, 14 were injured, while others escaped unhurt.
The source added that the truck was illegally conveying both goods and passengers when the accident occurred, noting that the impact caused the vehicle to overturn and trap many of the victims beneath it.
