A severe 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 crash 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 teams had been dispatched to rescue survivors and recover the vehicle. “Authorities assured that measures have been taken to rescue the victims and recover the wreckage of the vehicle,” the statement noted.
The government extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed solidarity with those injured. Officials also issued a stern reminder to drivers and transport companies to maintain vigilance on the roads.
“We call on transport companies and drivers to be more vigilant, to respect driving rules and to be careful on the roads,” the statement said.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes at the bridge, with rescue workers struggling to evacuate passengers from the submerged coach.
Early indications suggest that the combination of high speed and the challenging bridge conditions may have contributed to the accident, though authorities have yet to release a definitive cause.
The incident highlights the ongoing risks on Benin’s major interstate routes, where traffic density and variable infrastructure often create hazardous conditions.
Road safety campaigns, stricter enforcement of speed limits, and regular vehicle inspections have been emphasised by officials, yet accidents continue to claim lives.
Local authorities and civil protection teams are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash to prevent similar tragedies. Communities in Glazoué and along the Ouémé River crossing are now calling for enhanced safety measures, including improved signage, lighting, and emergency response readiness.
This latest disaster underscores the urgency of heightened awareness, better compliance with traffic regulations, and sustained investment in transportation safety to protect lives on Benin’s roadways.
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