…FRSC Warns Against Speeding, Fatigue
By Peter Onyekachukwu, Warri
DELTA: At least five people have been confirmed dead, and ten others sustained injuries in two separate road accidents along the Issele-Uku/Onicha-Ugbo axis of the Benin-Onitsha Expressway in Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State on Tuesday.
The tragic crashes occurred just days after a tanker explosion in Agbor claimed five lives, sparking fresh concerns over road safety in the state.
Eyewitnesses reported that one of the accidents involved a Sienna vehicle, which somersaulted several times after veering off the road. The crash claimed the life of a father traveling with his family, while his wife and two children survived with severe injuries.
Another accident involved a mini-bus, leaving one passenger dead and several others injured.
The Delta State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Fredrick Ogidan, confirmed the incidents, attributing the crashes to excessive speeding and driver fatigue.
“It is true the crashes happened. In one incident, one person died, and five others were rescued. In the other, four persons died, and five survivors were rushed to the hospital,” Ogidan said.
He explained that most drivers on the expressway overwork themselves, leading to loss of concentration and control.
“Drivers are making multiple trips because of money. Fatigue sets in, and they lose control. The roads are in good condition, but speeding and tiredness remain the primary causes of accidents,” he noted.
Ogidan praised the quick intervention of emergency personnel, which he said helped save lives.
“We thank God for our timely response. More lives could have been lost, but our team was able to give first aid to the victims before transferring them to hospitals,” he said.
The FRSC has reiterated its warning to drivers to take breaks and avoid speeding to prevent further accidents.
“Speeding and fatigue are silent killers. Drivers must be cautious and prioritize safety. It is better to arrive late than not at all,” Ogidan warned.
The Benin-Onitsha Expressway, one of the busiest routes in Delta State, remains accident-prone, prompting authorities to intensify road safety measures to protect commuters.