FRSC operative killed during rescue at Benin-Ore Road crash; secondary collision also kills driver amid tension and attacks on personnel

A Federal Road Safety Corps marshal was killed on Thursday during a rescue operation at a road crash on the Benin-Ore Road in Edo State, as a secondary collision claimed another life and triggered attacks on FRSC personnel by agitated commercial drivers.

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The incident, which occurred at the Oviogie axis in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area, also led to the death of an unidentified driver.

According to the State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Cyril Mathew, emergency responders had arrived to assist victims of the initial accident when a second vehicle rammed into the scene, striking both the FRSC operative and the driver.

“While the rescue operation was ongoing, another vehicle rammed into the accident scene, hitting those attending to the victims.

The impact of the second crash led to the death of an FRSC marshal involved in the rescue effort and a driver who was present at the scene,” Cyril Mathew told journalists in Benin City on Friday.

The situation escalated when some commercial drivers, blaming the FRSC for the initial crash, physically attacked personnel at the scene.

The confrontation caused severe traffic congestion along the busy Benin-Lagos Road, delaying commuters and commercial vehicles for several hours.

A driver who identified himself as Iyobor explained that the initial accident was partly caused by trucks indiscriminately parked along the expressway near the FRSC office.

“Many motorists have rammed into these trucks at various times, resulting in deaths or severe damage to their vehicles. That was basically why they (marshals) were attacked… It is accumulated anger,” Iyobor said.

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Efforts to obtain further clarification regarding the events and accountability were ongoing as of press time. Authorities have called for calm and adherence to road safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies.