A devastating accident occurred on Sunday in Auchi, Edo State, claiming the lives of three persons when two trucks, one belonging to Dangote Cement and another unidentified truck, collided with a GLK Benz in front of the Omega Fire Ministry. The incident happened around midday, and a viral video captured by a church member showed the aftermath of the crash, with a male voice heard saying, “A serious accident just happened… a Dangote truck crushed about five vehicles.” The narrator also added, “Dangote truck is at it again.
According to eyewitnesses, the accident involved two trucks and a GLK Benz, with the occupants of the GLK tragically losing their lives. The Dangote truck caught fire, which was later brought under control. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Edo State Police Command, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, stating that the police moved to the scene and evacuated the occupants of the GLK to the hospital, where they were confirmed dead.
The senior pastor and General Overseer of the church, Johnson Suleiman, lamented that the deaths were avoidable, attributing the incident to the recklessness of some young drivers who may not be trained or licensed. He emphasized that the management of Dangote Cement should carry out an assessment to ensure their drivers are qualified and not overworked, stressed, or under the influence of drugs. Suleiman stressed that citizens, including organizations, have a responsibility to ensure safety on the roads.
The PPRO, Moses Yamu, stated that an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the accident. The police are working to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has left three families bereaved. The incident has raised concerns about road safety and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such accidents in the future.
The accident in Auchi serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of three lives and calls for measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The management of Dangote Cement and relevant authorities are expected to take necessary steps to ensure that their drivers are qualified and adhere to safety standards.
