20 people die in Plateau vehicle accident

At least 20 people have died in a serious motor accident that happened in Hawan Kibo community, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Friday.

Eyewitnesses reported that the accident took place around 5pm at the dangerous Hawan Kibo bend, causing panic in the community.

Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, the Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, confirmed the death toll in a phone interview with The PUNCH in Jos on Friday.

The Sector Commander said, “Yes it is true. There was an accident this evening at the Hawan Kibo area in Riyom LGA of Plateau state. Our Officers are right there at the scene on rescue operation.

“It was a terrible accident. They have evacuated many injured persons to the hospital and others are still being taken to the hospital right now. At the moment, I can confirm to you that 20 people have been confirmed dead from the accident.”

The Sector Commander said the accident was caused by brake failure.

“It was a brake failure. We will continue to advise that motorists should always check their vehicles before driving. And they should drive carefully especially when negotiating a bend,” he added.

An eyewitness named Moses Gyang, who was at the scene shortly after the crash, shared his thoughts on the accident.

“I was close by when it happened around 5pm. The vehicle lost control while descending the hill. It was a terrible sight, people were shouting for help,” the eyewitness said.

Another eyewitness described the scene as heartbreaking. He said rescue efforts were blocked by the crowd that gathered.

“We have never seen such an accident here in recent times. Many people were lying on the ground. FRSC officers came quickly and started carrying the injured to the hospital, but many had already died,” he said.

As of the time of this report, FRSC officials were still at the scene conducting rescue operations and taking injured victims to the hospital.