The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) in Edo state has confirmed the death of twelve (12) persons in an unfortunate and fatal accident that occurred due to driver fatigue. This was made known by Mr Cyril Matthew, the Edo State sector commander of the Corp.
Mr Cyril Matthew noted that accident occurred around 5a.m on Saturday at Igueoviobo community, near an army checkpoint along the Benin-Ekpoma-Auchi Expressway. The accident involved a truck and a Toyota Hiace bus.
He said: “The bus departed Zuba in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, and headed for Benin City, but collided with an oncoming truck en route Auchi, around 5 a.m.
“All the occupants of the bus were killed in the auto crash, which might have been caused by fatigue, with the driver likely to have dozed off, leading to the collision, and the bus was engulfed in flames, making it impossible to save the victims.
“The truck’s driver and his assistant, fondly called ‘Motor Boy,’ escaped unhurt.
“Officials of FRSC were able to identify the bodies through the vehicle’s manifest. We have since contacted their families.”
The sector commander advised that drivers are expected to avoid fatigue especially when they are on long haul and also observe period rest after driving for four (4) hours to prevent loss of lives and properties.