Plateau: FRSC confirms 20 dead in multiple crashes

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed the death of 20 people in a multiple road traffic crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Plateau State.

The crash, which occurred at about 3:32 p.m. after Sopp Water Falls, involved four vehicles and left another five people injured. Blueprint reports

The Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO), Mr Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed the casualty figures in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

Four vehicles involved in crash

According to Ohaeri, a total of 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 23 males and two females.

He said 20 male victims died in the incident, while the five injured victims comprised three males and two females.

The vehicles involved included a Howo Sino truck with registration number AGL 525 YN, a Toyota Corolla with registration number AB 129 M, a Toyota Bummer bus operated by Yankari Express and a motorcycle whose registration details were not immediately available.

Ohaeri said preliminary findings indicated brake failure and loss of control as likely causes of the crash, although the FRSC ordered a detailed investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Victims evacuated to hospitals

The FRSC spokesman said rescue personnel promptly responded to the crash and evacuated the injured victims to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital for medical attention.

The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary of the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH).

He added that FRSC rescue personnel cleared the obstruction created by the crash and restored the affected section of the highway to traffic.

The prompt clearing of the highway was necessary to prevent the crash from causing prolonged disruption to motorists using the busy route.

Corps Marshal orders investigation

Reacting to the tragedy, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and extended condolences to 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 incident.

He said the investigation should establish what led to the crash, with particular attention to the reported brake failure and loss of control.

The Corps Marshal’s directive is expected to help determine the sequence of events and establish whether vehicle condition, driving behaviour or other factors contributed to the tragedy.

FRSC warns motorists

Mohammed used the incident to remind motorists, particularly operators of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles, of the importance of ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy before embarking on journeys.

He urged drivers to prioritise regular vehicle maintenance, proper speed management and responsible driving, particularly on highways where mechanical failure or excessive speed can have fatal consequences.

The Corps Marshal also advised motorists to exercise greater caution while driving, stressing that the scale of the tragedy underscored the consequences of neglecting basic road safety measures.

“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.

Mohammed therefore called on all road users to take personal responsibility for safety and avoid practices that could endanger their lives or those of other road users.

He stressed that no journey was so urgent that it should end in death.