20 people die in serious road accident in Plateau

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that 20 people died in a serious road accident along the Hawan Kibo-Jos road in Plateau.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, shared this news in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Ohaeri said the accident happened at around 3:32 p.m. after Sopp Water Falls. He noted that brake failure and loss of control were likely causes of the crash.

He mentioned that 25 people were involved in the accident, consisting of 23 men and two women.

According to him, five people, including three men and two women, were injured. Sadly, 20 men lost their lives in the accident.

"Four vehicles were involved in the crash, including a Howo Sino truck with registration number AGL 525 YN.

"The other vehicles were a Toyota Corolla with registration number AB 129 M and a Toyota Bummer bus operated by Yankari Express.

"The fourth vehicle was a motorcycle, but we don't have its registration details.

"The injured victims were taken to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital. Meanwhile, the deceased were taken to JUTH Mortuary.

"FRSC rescue teams also cleared the wreckage from the road and opened that section for traffic again," he said.

Speaking about the incident, FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed sorrow over the loss of life.

He offered his condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of the deceased and prayed for their souls.

Mr Mohammed also wished the injured a quick recovery and instructed the investigation team to look into the crash thoroughly.

He said the investigation should find out what led to the accident, especially the brake failure and loss of control.

The corps marshal urged drivers, especially those in commercial and heavy-duty vehicles, to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, properly maintained, manage their speed, and drive responsibly.

Mr Mohammed further advised all drivers to be more careful, stressing that losing 20 lives in one accident is not just a number.

"The loss of 20 lives in a single crash means 20 families are suddenly in sorrow. Behind every number is a name, a home, a family, and a future," he said.

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