The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed the death of 20 people in a multiple road crash along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Plateau State.
The Corps Public Education Officer, Osondu Ohaeri, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
Ohaeri said the crash occurred around 3:32pm after Sopp Water Falls, with preliminary findings indicating brake failure and loss of control as possible causes.
He said 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 23 males and two females.
According to him, five people—three males and two females—sustained injuries, while 20 males died.
Four vehicles were involved in the crash, including 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 unavailable.
The injured victims were evacuated to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the mortuary of the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
FRSC rescue personnel also cleared the obstruction caused by the crash and restored traffic along the affected section of the highway.
Reacting to the incident, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Shehu Mohammed, expressed sadness over the loss of lives and condoled with the families and associates of the deceased.
He also wished the injured victims a speedy recovery and directed the crash investigation team to conduct a thorough probe into the incident.
Mohammed said the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the crash, particularly the reported brake failure and loss of control.
He urged motorists, especially commercial and heavy-duty vehicle operators, to prioritise vehicle maintenance, roadworthiness, speed management and responsible driving.
“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,” Mohammed said.
He urged motorists and other road users to take personal responsibility for road safety, stressing that no journey was so urgent that it should end in death.
