Six people were confirmed dead, while five others sustained injuries in a multiple auto crash involving an articulated vehicle, two tricycles, and three cars in Okene Local Council of Kogi State.

It was gathered that the driver of the articulated vehicle was ascending Okengwe hill when he lost control and rammed into two tricycles, three cars, and another truck.

Confirming the incident in Lokoja yesterday, the Acting Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Kogi, Mr Samuel Ogundayo, described the crash as tragic and very unfortunate.

He said that the accident, which involved seven vehicles, occurred on Monday at Old Zango in Okunchi community of Okene at about 8:30 p.m.

“The tragic incident began when a truck, unable to climb Okengwe hill, lost its brakes and rolled backwards, crushing two tricycles, three cars, and ramming into another truck.

“The unfortunate incident left six persons dead and five others injured. The FRSC rescue operatives, who arrived at the accident scene in good time, rushed the injured to the Referral Hospital, Okene, for treatment, while the corpses of the dead were deposited at the mortuary of Onene General Hospital,” he stated.

Ogundayo said it took the combined efforts of his officers and other security agencies to clear the gridlock on the highway and restore free flow of traffic.

The commander advised motorists to always take precautions by maintaining a safe distance from trucks on highways, especially on hilly terrain, to avoid accidents in the event of brake failure.

He urged them to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to help reduce crashes and carnage on the roads.