At least 20 people have been killed in a multiple-vehicle crash along the Hawan Kibo Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The fatal accident occurred on Friday evening when a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into several vehicles travelling towards Jos.
The vehicles involved included a truck, a Hummer bus carrying passengers, other vehicles and a motorcycle.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the impact caused the Hummer bus to catch fire, trapping and killing 18 passengers inside.
Two other persons riding a motorcycle involved in the crash were also killed at the scene, bringing the death toll to 20.
Confirming the incident in a telephone interview with Channels Television, the Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, attributed the crash to brake failure.
“The crash happened in the evening of Friday. It was as a result of brake failure from the truck, which rammed into other vehicles heading towards Jos,” Ogungbemi said.
He said FRSC personnel had been deployed to the scene to manage the situation, clear the highway and evacuate the victims.
“Our men have been deployed to the scene and are working hard to clear the traffic and ensure that the corpses of the deceased are deposited at the appropriate hospitals,” he added.
Ogungbemi urged motorists to ensure regular vehicle maintenance and avoid speeding, stressing that proper mechanical checks could help prevent avoidable road crashes.
He advised drivers to ensure their vehicles were in good condition before embarking on journeys, particularly when travelling on busy highways.
The Plateau tragedy adds to a series of fatal multiple-vehicle crashes recorded on major highways across the country.
Months earlier, a multiple-vehicle crash on the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway reportedly killed at least five people and left eight others injured.
In April, the Ogun State Sector Command of the FRSC also confirmed three deaths after a multiple-vehicle collision at the Onipepeye axis of the Abeokuta-Sagamu Road in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area, with seven others sustaining injuries.
