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

Twenty individuals lost their lives in a devastating collision on the Hawan Kibo stretch of the Plateau highway, according to reports from Abuja and Jos. The tragedy unfolded at approximately 5:00 p.m. on the same day that Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang expressed optimism about ending the cycle of killings in the region. The accident occurred when a truck reportedly lost control while navigating a steep bend, resulting in the truck colliding with other vehicles and leaving a trail of destruction.

Sector Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi of the Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed the incident and the death toll, stating that rescue personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene to rescue victims and recover bodies. Among the deceased were 18 occupants of a commercial bus and two individuals from the truck. The incident was attributed to brake failure, prompting authorities to warn motorists about the importance of routine vehicle maintenance and caution, especially when driving on bends and steep descents.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic, with victims trapped in the wreckage and rescue efforts initially hindered by the large crowd that gathered at the scene. The FRSC reported that injured victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment, while efforts continued into the evening to clear the road and complete rescue operations.

The latest tragedy has sparked renewed concerns over road safety along the Hawan Kibo corridor, a route notorious for its challenging terrain and frequent mechanical failures. Mutfwang assured that efforts are underway to address the issue of communal killings in the state, with necessary machinery already in place to resolve the problems.