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accident has left the community of Oscala in mourning after a heavily loaded trailer lost control and crashed along the Oscala–Burnt Hill Expressway late Tuesday night. According to emergency officials, at least 22 people have been confirmed dead, while 20 others sustained severe injuries in what has been described as one of the deadliest road tragedies in the region’s history.

Witnesses at the scene recounted a horrifying moment when the speeding trailer, reportedly carrying goods and passengers, veered off the road and overturned multiple times before bursting into flames. The impact scattered debris across the highway, leaving a trail of destruction. Several victims were trapped under the wreckage before rescue teams arrived. Local residents and motorists were the first to respond, pulling survivors from the burning vehicle before emergency services arrived.

Authorities say the accident occurred around 9:30 p.m. and may have been caused by brake failure or driver fatigue, although investigations are still ongoing. The trailer, which was reportedly traveling from the industrial district toward the central market, was carrying both cargo and people — a common but illegal practice in the area. Officials from the Oscala State Traffic Commission have expressed concern over the growing trend of overloading and poor vehicle maintenance that frequently contribute to such disasters.

The injured victims were rushed to Oscala General Hospital, where doctors are battling to save lives. Hospital staff described the situation as “overwhelming,” as blood donations and emergency medical supplies were urgently needed. Relatives of the victims have been crowding the hospital and police station, desperately seeking information about their loved ones.

Governor Alonzo Baird released a statement early Wednesday morning, describing the incident as “a heartbreaking and preventable tragedy.” He extended condolences to the bereaved families and promised a full investigation. “We cannot continue to lose lives on our roads because of negligence and recklessness. Those responsible will face the law,” he said.

Rescue operations continued into the early hours, with fire service teams and road safety officers clearing the wreckage. Traffic along the expressway was temporarily halted for several hours to allow emergency responders to work. Officials have since urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on the steep and winding roads that connect Oscala’s industrial zones.

As the community grapples with grief, local churches and aid organizations have begun offering support to families affected by the crash. Plans are underway for a mass burial for those who could not be identified due to the severity of the burns.

The Oscala trailer crash stands as a painful reminder of the urgent need for stricter traffic enforcement, better road infrastructure, and responsible driving. For many residents, the tragedy is not just another statistic — it is a heartbreaking loss that has left an indelible mark on the t