Five Killed, 13 Injured as Overloaded Trailer Crashes in Plateau’s Langtang
At least five people have been confirmed dead, while 13 others sustained varying degrees of injuries following a fatal road crash in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State, North-Central Nigeria.
Global Mirror News gathered that the accident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, at about 3:00 a.m., at the Zangzat Roundabout in Langtang town.
The crash involved a trailer conveying market traders traveling from Shendam to Jos, the Plateau State capital.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Area, Pirfa Tyem, said preliminary investigations revealed that the vehicle was registered in Plateau State with registration number JJN 383 YZ.
According to the Local Council, the accident was caused by overspeeding and overloading, two persistent factors linked to deadly road crashes across Nigeria.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Precious Yakubu, the Council Chairman disclosed that upon receiving reports of the incident, he immediately mobilised an emergency response team from the Local Government secretariat to the crash scene and nearby medical facilities.
“The Executive Chairman promptly directed a team to visit the scene of the accident and the hospital to assess the situation, sympathise with the victims and families, and ascertain their immediate needs,” the statement said.
Authorities confirmed that five occupants of the vehicle died on the spot, while about 13 others sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment at the General Hospital, Langtang, where Health Officials say efforts are ongoing to stabilise those in critical condition.
Chairman Tyem expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
He described the crash as a painful reminder of the dangers associated with reckless driving and poor compliance with road safety regulations.
“This unfortunate incident highlights the deadly consequences of overspeeding and overloading,” he noted, urging the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to intensify public sensitisation, enforcement of traffic laws, and monitoring of commercial vehicles, especially during night travel.
He further appealed to drivers, transport operators, traders, and commuters to make safety a priority by adhering strictly to speed limits and avoiding the use of overloaded vehicles.
“The Council remains fully committed to working with relevant Agencies to promote road safety and prevent further loss of lives across the Local Government Areas,” the statement added.
The Langtang crash comes barely a week after another tragic incident in Jos, where a fuel tanker accident near St. Louis College reportedly killed two people and injured 16 others.
With the latest development, the number of fatalities from road accidents in Plateau State within the past two weeks has reportedly risen to 25, raising renewed concerns over highway safety in the State.
