Plateau Highway Crash: 20 Killed, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Accident

Plateau Highway Crash: 20 Killed, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Accident

At least 20 people have been killed and five others injured in a multiple-vehicle road crash along the Hawan Kibo–Jos route in Plateau State.

The fatal Plateau crash occurred at about 3:32pm on Friday, October 2, shortly after Sopp Water Falls, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

The FRSC said preliminary findings indicated that brake failure and loss of control may have triggered the accident.

Four vehicles were involved in the crash: a Howo Sino truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Yankari Express and a motorcycle whose registration details were not immediately available.

The road safety agency said 25 people were involved in the accident, comprising 23 males and two females. All 20 fatalities were male, while the five injured victims comprised three males and two females.

The injured victims were evacuated to Riyom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital for treatment, while the bodies of those who died were deposited at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) mortuary.

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According to the preliminary account, the heavy-duty truck was descending the Hawan Kibo section of the highway when it reportedly developed a brake problem and lost control before colliding with the other vehicles.

FRSC rescue personnel were deployed to the scene to evacuate victims, recover the bodies and clear the highway. The affected section was subsequently reopened to traffic.

Reacting to the tragedy, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

He also directed the Corps’ crash investigation team to conduct a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, particularly the reported mechanical failure and loss of control.

The FRSC urged motorists, especially operators of commercial vehicles and heavy-duty trucks, to ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and properly maintained before embarking on journeys.

Drivers were also advised to exercise caution when navigating steep or descending sections of highways and to maintain speeds that allow them to respond safely to unexpected situations.

The latest incident has renewed concerns over road safety in Nigeria, particularly the dangers posed by vehicle defects, excessive speed and loss of control involving heavy-duty vehicles.

Authorities continue to advise motorists to conduct appropriate safety checks, observe traffic regulations and avoid taking vehicles with suspected mechanical faults onto highways.

The FRSC investigation is expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the Plateau highway crash and determine the factors that led to the deaths and injuries.

Plateau Highway Crash: 20 Killed, Five Injured in Multiple-Vehicle Accident