By Choice Ebuwa
No fewer than 12 persons have been confirmed dead in a tragic road accident that occurred on Wednesday at Egono, near Ewu, along the Benin–Auchi–Lokoja highway.
Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) disclosed that the crash also left 14 others with varying degrees of injuries, while the bodies of the deceased have been deposited in a mortuary.
The accident involved a truck reportedly conveying passengers and goods toward Benin City.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle, which was said to be on high speed, attempted a dangerous overtaking maneuver before losing control, skidding off the road and overturning, trapping several occupants.
According to witnesses, a total of 37 passengers were involved in the incident. Twelve were confirmed dead, 14 sustained injuries, while others escaped unhurt.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Edo State Command of the FRSC, Patricia Onwochei, attributed the crash to wrongful overtaking.
She said, “12 persons died while 14 others sustained injuries in the accident.” She added that one of the victims had already been buried, while 11 others were deposited at the mortuary of St. Lazarus Hospital in the area.
