A devastating accident in Okete community, Ohimini Local Government Area, Benue State, has claimed the lives of 14 people after a heavy-duty truck veered off the Otukpo-Oweto Road and crashed into a residential building. The victims, including three Muslim worshippers praying by the roadside, were caught in the disaster in the early hours of Thursday.
The truck, reportedly en route to Abuja, bore registration number Kaduna DKA 738 XB. Witnesses believe the tragedy unfolded after the driver lost control of the vehicle. “It appears the truck’s brakes failed, causing the driver to lose control and crash into a house where some of the victims were sleeping,” a local resident said.
Six people were killed instantly, while three others praying nearby also lost their lives. The initial death toll of nine rose to 14 after five injured survivors succumbed to their wounds in the hospital.
In the aftermath of the incident, the truck driver and his assistant were nowhere to be found. The police have launched an investigation to determine their whereabouts and the exact cause of the accident.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Catherine Anene, confirmed the accident. “An investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding this tragic event,” she said.
This incident adds to a growing list of tragic accidents along the Otukpo-Oweto Road, a crucial route connecting several Nigerian states. The road, often congested with heavy-duty trucks transporting goods, has seen its fair share of accidents attributed to brake failures, reckless driving, and poor maintenance.
The tragedy has once again raised questions about road safety and the need for stricter regulations on commercial vehicles.
The loss has left the small community in mourning. Among the dead were men, women, and children, their lives cut short by a mechanical failure and a stroke of misfortune. Families are grappling with the pain of losing loved ones, many of whom were breadwinners.
The tragic event has reignited calls for government intervention to address road safety and the condition of heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian roads. Experts suggest that stricter inspections and enforcement of safety standards could help prevent such avoidable accidents.
A safety advocate commented, “This accident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms. Brake failure is preventable with proper maintenance, but lack of regulation allows these tragedies to continue.”
Road safety in Nigeria remains a pressing issue, with thousands of lives lost annually to preventable accidents. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), brake failure accounts for a significant percentage of fatal road crashes.
In response to such incidents, some states have introduced policies mandating regular inspections for commercial vehicles, but enforcement remains lax.
The Benue State Government has promised to support the affected families. Officials visited the crash site and pledged to collaborate with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
