Ten Feared Dead in Early-Morning Plateau Highway Crash

At least ten people have been confirmed dead following a devastating road accident along the Jos–Bauchi highway in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The fatal crash, which occurred shortly after midnight at about 12:12 a.m., took place near a Military checkpoint and involved four vehicles, two articulated trailers and two Ford Galaxy minibuses. Several other passengers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau State Command, said the rescue operation was jointly carried out by FRSC officials, security personnel, officials of the Ministry of Transport and local residents in the Area.

According to the FRSC Public Education Officer and Route Commander, Peter Y. Longsan, a total of 19 passengers were involved in the accident, comprising 17 men and two women. He disclosed that ten adult males lost their lives instantly at the scene.

The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Miyabarkate, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.

“Eight of the deceased were deposited at the morgues of the Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital, while two bodies were claimed by officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for burial,” Longsan stated.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC identified excessive speed and reckless driving as major factors contributing to the crash, while further investigations are ongoing.

The Sector Commander advised motorists to avoid night travel, adhere strictly to speed limits and prioritise safety to prevent avoidable tragedies on the Nation’s highways.