10 Killed in Jos-Bauchi Road Crash

In a tragic incident occurring in the early hours of Tuesday, no fewer than 10 persons lost their lives in a multiple-vehicle collision along the Jos-Bauchi Road in Plateau State.

The accident, which took place around 12:12 am near a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Jos, involved four vehicles: two trailers and two Ford Galaxy minibuses.

According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), a total of 19 people (17 males and two females) were involved in the crash. Ten adult males were confirmed dead on the spot, while the surviving victims sustained varying degrees of injuries.

The Plateau State Sector Command of the FRSC attributed the fatal crash to speeding and reckless driving, which led to a loss of control by the drivers involved.

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“Preliminary investigation revealed speed and reckless driving which led to loss of control were major contributory factors that led to the crash,” the FRSC stated in a release signed by its Public Education Officer, Peter Longsan.

A joint rescue operation was conducted by the FRSC, the Nigerian Police Force, military personnel, and local villagers. The injured victims were rushed to General Hospital Miango, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), and the Plateau State Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.

The bodies of eight of the deceased have been deposited at the morgues of the Plateau Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital.

The remaining two corpses were claimed by officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for immediate burial.

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This incident marks the second major road disaster in the state within two weeks. Just 12 days prior, eight students of the University of Jos were killed in a similar accident on Zaria Road.

Expressing his bitterness over the recurring loss of lives, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, warned motorists against the dangers of night travel.

“He urged motorists to desist from night journeys, excessive speeding and other dangerous driving habits… as these are major causes of fatalities when road traffic crashes occur,” the statement read.

The FRSC boss advised the public to prioritize personal safety and utilize the toll-free emergency number, 122, to report road emergencies.