20 killed in multi-vehicle accident on Plateau highway

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says 20 people died in a multi-vehicle road crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Plateau state.

Osondu Ohaeri, FRSC corps public education officer, said in a statement on Friday that the crash occurred at about 3:32pm after Sopp Water Falls.

Ohaeri said 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 23 males and two females, adding that five people sustained injuries while 20 males died.

The FRSC spokesperson said brake failure and loss of control were suspected causes of the crash.

He said four vehicles were involved, including a Howo Sino truck with registration number AGL 525 YN, a Toyota Corolla with registration number AB 129 M, a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Yankari Express, and a motorcycle whose registration details were unavailable.

The injured victims were evacuated to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) mortuary.

Ohaeri said FRSC rescue personnel cleared the crash-caused obstruction and restored the affected section of the highway.

Reacting to the incident, Shehu Mohammed, FRSC corps marshal, extended his condolences to the families, friends and associates of the deceased.

Mohammed directed the crash investigation team to probe the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said the investigation should look into the reported brake failure and loss of control.

“The loss of 20 lives in a single crash represents 20 families suddenly plunged into grief. Behind every number is a name, a home, a family and a future,” he said.

He urged road users to take personal responsibility for safety, adding that no journey was so urgent that it should end in death.