Twenty people have died in a devastating road crash involving four vehicles along the Hawan Kibo–Jos road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The fatal accident occurred on Friday, October 2, around the Hawan Kibo axis, shortly after Sopp Water Falls. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps, 25 people were involved in the crash, leaving five survivors with injuries.

The vehicles involved were a Howo Sino truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Hummer bus belonging to Yankari Express and a motorcycle.

Preliminary findings by the FRSC indicated that the truck developed a brake problem while travelling along the route, resulting in a loss of control and a collision involving the other vehicles.

The impact was severe, with reports from the scene indicating that the Hummer bus caught fire. Eighteen people travelling in the bus were reportedly among those killed, while two other victims on a motorcycle also lost their lives.

Rescue personnel subsequently evacuated the injured to Ryom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital for treatment. The remains of the deceased were taken to the mortuary at Jos University Teaching Hospital.

FRSC officials also worked to remove the damaged vehicles from the road and restore movement along the affected section.

Reacting to the tragedy, FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed directed that the circumstances surrounding the crash be thoroughly investigated, particularly the reported mechanical failure.

He further called on operators of commercial and heavy-duty vehicles to ensure their vehicles are properly maintained and roadworthy before embarking on journeys, while stressing the importance of responsible speed management.

The crash has renewed attention on the dangers faced by motorists and passengers travelling through hilly sections of major highways, where mechanical faults can quickly turn into major road disasters.