Tragedy struck on Sunday, August 18, 2025, along the busy Benin–Okene Expressway in Auchi, Edo State, when a Dangote Group truck reportedly suffered brake failure and ploughed into a white Mercedes-Benz GLK carrying four occupants. Three passengers were crushed to death instantly, leaving the fourth critically injured amid scenes of chaos and grief.
Eyewitnesses say the truck, travelling at high speed, could not stop as traffic slowed near the Omega Fire Ministries headquarters. It rammed the luxury vehicle from behind, dragging it several metres before slamming head-on into an oncoming BUA truck headed towards Benin City.
The double collision triggered a violent explosion as the Dangote truck burst into flames, sending thick black smoke into the sky. Motorists and residents fled in panic as intense heat engulfed the crash site, forcing nearby shops to shut abruptly while terrified worshippers screamed from the church premises opposite.
Local vigilantes and passersby rushed to rescue the victims but were hampered by the blazing inferno and mangled metal. The Edo State Fire Service eventually contained the fire after nearly 40 minutes, but the Mercedes and Dangote trucks were completely destroyed.
Road Safety officials arriving at the scene confirmed that brake failure was the suspected cause but added that “over-speeding and poor vehicle maintenance” would form part of a full investigation. The bodies of the deceased were evacuated to the Auchi General Hospital mortuary, while the only survivor from the GLK remains in critical condition.
Residents have renewed calls for stricter regulation of heavy-duty trucks owned by major conglomerates such as Dangote, accusing them of turning highways into “death corridors.” Several deaths have been recorded in similar incidents on the same stretch of road in the last eight months.
Authorities have begun clearing the wreckage to restore traffic flow, while angry community members demand compensation for victims’ families and immediate deployment of a permanent Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) emergency unit in Auchi to curb further loss of lives.
