No fewer than four persons have been confirmed dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a tragic auto crash that occurred during the annual Eggon Carnival in Nasarawa-Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The accident, which threw the colourful cultural celebration into mourning, involved three trucks, one of which reportedly rammed into the carnival procession, causing panic and chaos among revellers.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed that those who sustained injuries in the crash were immediately rushed to the Nasarawa-Eggon General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Nasarawa State, Yahaya Sabo-Adikwu, attributed the accident to reckless driving by the truck drivers.
“The crash was caused by reckless driving,” Sabo-Adikwu said, adding that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital.
Eyewitnesses at the scene narrated that the trucks lost control while approaching the procession, leading to the fatal collision with participants and spectators of the carnival.
A witness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that reckless driving by the drivers of the heavy-duty vehicles played a major role in the incident.
“The trucks were coming at a very high speed. They suddenly lost control and drove straight into the procession,” NAIJAONPOINT said.
He further called on relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the crash and enforce mandatory drug tests for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
2025 Eggon Carnival cancelled
In the aftermath of the incident, organisers of the Eggon Carnival announced the cancellation of the 2025 edition of the cultural festival.
In a statement, the organisers expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
“The Eggon Carnival community is deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” the statement read.
The tragic incident has once again raised concerns over road safety and the regulation of heavy-duty vehicles, especially during major public events across the country.