20 Killed, Scores Injured in Plateau Highway Crash as Truck Suffers Brake Failure

On Friday evening, a severe multiple-vehicle collision took place at Hawan Kibo, a challenging hillside stretch in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, resulting in at least 20 fatalities. The accident unfolded around 5:00 p.m., leaving residents, travelers, and emergency responders scrambling to rescue victims entangled in the wreckage.

Eyewitnesses reported that the crash occurred when a truck lost control while navigating the steep Hawan Kibo bend, colliding with other vehicles and causing extensive destruction.

Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State confirmed the incident and the death toll. According to Ogungbemi, 20 individuals lost their lives in the accident, including 18 occupants of a commercial bus and two individuals in the truck involved. The crash is attributed to brake failure, with Ogungbemi cautioning motorists against neglecting routine maintenance of their vehicles.

He emphasized the importance of vehicle inspections and cautious driving, especially when navigating bends and steep descents.

One witness recounted witnessing the vehicle lose control while descending the hill before colliding with other road users. The scene was described as chaotic, with people shouting for help and many victims trapped in the wreckage. Another resident characterized the aftermath as heart-wrenching, noting that rescue efforts were initially impeded by the dense crowd gathered at the scene. FRSC officials arrived promptly and began evacuating the injured, but the tragic toll had already been set.

The FRSC stated that the injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, and rescue operations continued into the evening to clear the road and complete the rescue efforts. The latest tragedy has reignited concerns over road safety along the Hawan Kibo corridor, a route notorious for its treacherous terrain and frequent mechanical failures. Authorities urged transport operators and motorists to ensure that critical vehicle components, particularly braking systems, are in optimal condition before undertaking journeys.