Eight passengers burnt to d3ath as fuel tanker crashes into vehicles on Benin-Auchi road
On the evening of March 9, 2025, the residents of Agbede community, located along the Benin-Auchi road in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, were rocked by a devastating and fatal road accident. The collision, which involved a fuel tanker and several vehicles, led to the tragic deaths of eight individuals, all of whom were burnt beyond recognition in the ensuing fire. The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the fatalities, which occurred after a series of unfortunate events triggered by a truck’s brake failure.
The accident occurred on Sunday, March 9, as a fuel tanker descended the steep and winding Ewu Hill, traveling from Benin City towards Auchi. According to eyewitnesses and reports from the FRSC, the truck was descending the hill when the driver experienced a catastrophic brake failure. With no means of controlling the vehicle, the truck’s driver and his assistant reportedly screamed, “No brake! No brake!” as the vehicle continued its descent, crashing into several other vehicles that were already caught in a traffic jam below.
This tragic scenario quickly escalated into a deadly inferno. The collision with other vehicles, including two additional tankers carrying diesel and petroleum products, resulted in a fiery explosion. The intense heat from the flames engulfed the entire scene, burning several vehicles, including the fuel tankers, and leading to numerous casualties.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Edo Sector Commander, Mr. Cyril Mathew, confirmed the events in a statement issued on Monday, March 10, 2025, detailing the horrific crash and its aftermath. According to Mathew, the crash involved four vehicles in total, with two of the vehicles being tankers carrying highly flammable diesel and petroleum products. The collision sparked a massive fire, which tragically claimed the lives of the victims.
As the fire raged on, emergency responders and local residents worked tirelessly to control the flames and save any survivors. Unfortunately, the damage was extensive, and by the time the fire was extinguished, the bodies of seven victims were recovered from the wreckage, including two who had died on the spot. Tragically, the death toll would continue to rise. Among the injured, one individual who had been rushed to the hospital succumbed to their injuries on the morning of March 10, 2025, bringing the total number of fatalities to eight.
The victims, who were trapped in the traffic jam, were not involved in any illicit activities such as illegal fuel scooping, as some had initially speculated. Eyewitnesses confirmed that the vehicles involved were all simply caught in the congestion caused by the heavy traffic on the hill. The incident has sparked an outpouring of grief from the local community, many of whom knew the victims personally or witnessed the horrifying aftermath of the accident.
Several eyewitnesses to the crash have recounted the heart-stopping moments before the collision. According to reports, the truck’s driver and his assistant had been shouting desperately that the vehicle’s brakes had failed. As they barreled down the hill, they collided with other vehicles, trapping many passengers who were unable to escape the growing fire. Some reports suggest that many of the victims were unable to exit their vehicles due to the rapid escalation of the fire and the inability to move in time.
The survivors of the crash, many of whom sustained significant injuries, were rushed to nearby hospitals for medical treatment. Among the four initially rescued, one was reported to have died in the hospital due to the extent of their injuries. The rest of the survivors remain under medical care, with their condition still being monitored closely by health officials.
In the wake of the disaster, both the local community and emergency responders sprang into action, working together to prevent further loss of life. The FRSC praised the swift response of local residents, noting that their efforts were crucial in helping control the spread of the fire and preventing additional fatalities. The Edo State Fire Service, along with other emergency services, was instrumental in extinguishing the blaze and recovering the bodies of the victims.
Mr. Cyril Mathew, the FRSC sector commander, expressed his gratitude for the quick action taken by both his personnel and the local residents. The collaborative effort allowed for a more controlled response, ensuring that more lives were not lost in the wake of the disaster.
As the dust settles, the tragic loss of life continues to weigh heavily on the community. Residents are still grappling with the loss of their loved ones, while local authorities are working to ensure that justice is served. The FRSC has promised a thorough investigation into the incident, focusing on the circumstances that led to the brake failure of the tanker and the exact chain of events that caused the fire to spread so quickly.
The incident has also sparked renewed discussions about road safety on the Benin-Auchi highway, especially with regard to the maintenance of vehicles traveling through steep and dangerous terrain such as the Ewu Hill. Many locals have called for greater enforcement of road safety regulations, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles, to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.
In the coming days, the Edo State government, alongside the FRSC, is expected to conduct a full review of the accident and implement measures to improve road safety and prevent similar accidents from occurring. This may include stricter vehicle checks, improved traffic management systems, and increased awareness about the importance of vehicle maintenance.
The local community of Agbede is now in mourning as it comes to terms with the loss of its residents. Many of those who perished were well-known figures in the area, and their deaths have left a profound impact on the community. Relatives of the victims, some of whom were present at the scene of the crash, are still reeling from the horror of the accident and the suddenness of the loss.
The grief felt by the families of the victims is compounded by the uncertainty surrounding the cause of the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, many are calling for greater accountability and transparency from the relevant authorities. As the community seeks closure, it also hopes for measures that will prevent further tragedies on the same stretch of road.
The Benin-Auchi road, a major thoroughfare in Edo State, has long been notorious for its dangerous conditions. Winding through hilly terrain and often experiencing heavy traffic, the road poses a significant challenge to both drivers and passengers. Over the years, there have been numerous accidents on the Benin-Auchi highway, some of which have involved tankers, buses, and other heavy vehicles.
In light of this tragic incident, there are growing calls for increased road safety measures, particularly for large trucks and tankers that navigate the difficult terrain. The state government and the FRSC are under pressure to implement more stringent regulations to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future. Some suggestions include the installation of safety barriers along the hillsides, regular inspection of commercial vehicles, and improved signage to warn drivers of potential hazards ahead.
Moreover, the state government has promised to review the current state of the road and explore ways to improve its safety features. This may include widening the road, enhancing traffic control systems, and providing additional safety training for drivers of commercial vehicles.
The horrific crash that claimed the lives of eight passengers on the Benin-Auchi road is a tragedy that has left an indelible mark on the local community. As the victims’ families and loved ones continue to mourn their loss, the broader community is left questioning what more can be done to prevent such disasters. While investigations are ongoing and road safety reforms are being discussed, the pain and grief experienced by those directly affected by the crash cannot be overstated.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and the need for vigilance on our highways. As authorities work to piece together the details of the crash and bring those responsible to justice, the community of Agbede and the surrounding areas are left to reflect on the lives lost in this senseless disaster.
