A serious traffic accident occurred during the night of August 16-17, 2025, on National Interstate Route No. 2 at the Ouémé River crossing in Thio, Glazoué commune, authorities confirmed.
The incident involved a coach operated by an international passenger transport company bound for Malanville, which lost control and plunged into the riverbed.
In a joint statement, the Ministers of the Interior and Transport said emergency measures were immediately deployed to rescue survivors and recover the wreckage. “Authorities assured that measures have been taken to rescue the victims and recover the wreckage of the vehicle,” the statement said.
The government extended its condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with those injured in the accident. Officials emphasized the urgency of road safety, urging transport companies and drivers to strictly adhere to driving regulations.
“We call on transport companies and drivers to be more vigilant, to respect driving rules and to be careful on the roads,” the statement added.
Witnesses at the scene reported that the coach veered off the bridge at high speed, suggesting that the combination of road conditions and possible driver error may have contributed to the tragedy.
Rescue teams worked through the night to extract passengers from the submerged vehicle, highlighting the challenges of emergency operations in remote river crossings.
Road safety remains a pressing concern in Benin, particularly along major interstate routes where traffic volumes are high and infrastructure is vulnerable.
Authorities have reiterated ongoing campaigns to enforce speed limits, vehicle maintenance standards, and driver training to prevent further accidents.
This latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for vigilance and caution on the nation’s roads, as well as continued investment in transportation safety measures. Families and communities across Glazoué are now grappling with the human cost of what officials describe as a preventable accident, prompting renewed calls for stricter oversight of passenger transport operations.
With investigations ongoing, the government has pledged to determine the exact cause and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.
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