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20 Killed in Multiple-Vehicle Crash at Plateau’s Hawan Kibo
FRSC says 20 people died after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into other vehicles along the Hawan Kibo route in Riyom.
At least 20 people have been killed in a multiple-vehicle road crash at Hawan Kibo in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The crash occurred on Friday evening along the Hawan Kibo bend, a hilly stretch of the road that connects the area to Jos.
The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, confirmed the death toll, saying rescue personnel were deployed to the scene to evacuate injured victims and recover the bodies of those killed.
“Yes, it is true. There was an accident this evening at the Hawan Kibo area in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Our officers are right there at the scene on rescue operation,” Ogungbemi said.
“It was a terrible accident. They have evacuated many injured persons to the hospital and others are still being taken to the hospital right now. At the moment, I can confirm to you that 20 people have been confirmed dead from the accident.”
The FRSC sector commander attributed the crash to brake failure, saying the affected vehicle lost control while negotiating the steep section of the road.
“It was a brake failure. We will continue to advise that motorists should always check their vehicles before driving and that they should drive carefully, especially when negotiating a bend,” he said.
Reports indicated that the crash involved a truck, a commercial passenger bus, a Toyota Corolla and a motorcycle. The truck reportedly lost its brakes while travelling along the descent and collided with other road users.
Later reports said the impact caused the passenger bus to catch fire, with 18 of its occupants reportedly among those killed. Two other fatalities were reported to involve people on a motorcycle.
An eyewitness, Moses Gyang, said he was close to the scene when the crash occurred.
“I was close by when it happened around 5pm. The vehicle lost control while descending the hill. It was a terrible sight; people were shouting for help,” he said.
Another eyewitness described the scene as devastating, saying a large crowd initially gathered around the crash site as people attempted to assist the victims.
FRSC personnel evacuated injured victims to nearby hospitals while rescue operations continued at the scene.
The tragedy has renewed concerns over safety along the Hawan Kibo stretch, particularly the need for motorists to ensure that vehicles are mechanically sound before embarking on journeys and to exercise caution on steep bends and descents.
The FRSC urged motorists to regularly inspect their vehicles, particularly their braking systems, and to drive cautiously on difficult sections of the highway.