Two persons were confirmed dead and several others injured on Thursday evening following a horrific crash involving two trailers near Jattu Junction along the Auchi-Benin Expressway in Edo State.
The accident, which occurred around 7:00 PM just a few metres from the Omega Fire Ministries Headquarters, was reportedly triggered by a brake failure. A trailer laden with goods lost control, rammed into a stationary trailer parked by the roadside, and plunged into nearby traffic.
Tragically, a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as ‘Okada rider’, was killed instantly in the collision. Another victim later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
According to eyewitness accounts, including that of local resident Shaka Hamza Shaka, the driver of the moving trailer had abandoned the vehicle moments before the crash, fleeing the scene and leaving chaos in his wake.
“It was terrifying,” Hamza recalled. “The trailer came down at full speed with no sign of slowing. People were screaming. Then there was this massive bang. One bike man died instantly, and others were badly injured. Blood was everywhere.”
Emergency responders, good Samaritans, and residents rushed to the scene to offer help. The injured were quickly transported to nearby hospitals, where they are receiving treatment.
The crash caused significant traffic disruption, with operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), police, and traffic wardens working late into the night to clear the wreckage and restore order. The incident led to long hours of gridlock on the busy expressway.
As of the time of filing this report, authorities have yet to issue an official statement, but investigations into the incident, including efforts to track down the fleeing driver, are ongoing.
Get a premium automobile insurance coverage for your vehicle for as low as #15000 only and claim up to #3,000,000 in damages @Zenith Insurance To signup: WhatsApp/Call: +2349028313757
