A tragic Plateau crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route has claimed 20 lives and injured five others, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 20 people died in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Plateau State.
The crash occurred at about 3:32 p.m. on Friday, shortly after Sopp Water Falls, according to the FRSC Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri.
Ohaeri said preliminary findings indicated that brake failure and loss of control were the likely causes of the crash.
A total of 25 people were involved in the incident, comprising 23 males and two females. Five people — three males and two females — sustained injuries, while 20 males died.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash. They included 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 Riyom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).
FRSC rescue personnel subsequently cleared the obstruction caused by the crash and restored traffic along the affected section of the highway.
The Plateau State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, separately attributed the crash to brake failure, according to reports, while urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are properly checked before embarking on journeys.
Reacting to the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed sadness over the loss of lives and condoled with the families, friends and associates of the deceased.
Mohammed also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery and directed the Corps’ crash investigation team to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the reported brake failure and loss of control.
He urged motorists, particularly commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators, to prioritise vehicle roadworthiness, regular maintenance, speed management and responsible driving.
The Corps Marshal also called on all road users to take personal responsibility for road safety, stressing the devastating impact of losing 20 people in a single crash.
The Hawan Kibo-Jos route has previously featured in FRSC road-crash statistics. The agency’s 2023 annual report listed the Hawan Kibo-Jos route among routes recording at least 21 road-crash deaths that year, with 21 fatalities recorded.
The FRSC’s latest warning underscores the need for motorists, especially operators of heavy-duty and commercial vehicles, to conduct proper mechanical checks, maintain safe speeds and exercise caution on the route.
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