At least 20 people have died after a Plateau road crash involving four vehicles along the Hawan Kibo-Jos route in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the deaths after the crash occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, along the busy highway. The agency said 25 people were involved in the collision, with five people sustaining injuries and 20 others losing their lives.
According to the FRSC, the crash occurred at about 3:32 p.m. after Sopp Water Falls, although earlier reports from the Plateau command had placed the incident at about 5 p.m. The difference in timing appeared in early accounts of the incident, but authorities confirmed the death toll at 20.
The accident involved a Howo Sino truck, a Toyota Corolla, a Toyota Bummer bus operated by Yankari Express and a motorcycle. Preliminary findings from the FRSC indicated that the truck suffered brake failure before the driver lost control, leading to the collision with the other vehicles.
The Plateau road crash caused major disruption along the route as emergency workers moved to rescue victims and clear the damaged vehicles from the highway.
Four Vehicles Involved in Deadly Collision
The FRSC said 23 males and two females were involved in the accident. Five people survived with injuries, including three males and two females, while the 20 people who died were all male.
The impact caused severe damage to the vehicles involved in the Plateau road crash. Reports from the scene also indicated that the passenger bus caught fire following the collision, leaving several passengers trapped inside.
According to reports citing the Plateau FRSC command, 18 of the deceased were passengers travelling in the Yankari Express bus, while two other victims were travelling on a motorcycle involved in the collision.
Rescue personnel evacuated the injured victims to Riyom General Hospital and Vom Christian Hospital, where they received medical attention.
Authorities also transferred the bodies of those who died to the mortuary at the Jos University Teaching Hospital.
The FRSC later cleared the obstruction created by the crash and restored traffic on the affected section of the highway. The agency also deployed its personnel to manage the scene and assist with the evacuation process.
The Hawan Kibo area forms part of a route used by motorists travelling between Jos and other parts of the country. Its steep sections and bends require drivers to maintain control, particularly when operating heavy vehicles.
FRSC Cites Brake Failure and Loss of Control
The FRSC identified brake failure and subsequent loss of control as the likely causes of the Plateau road crash based on its preliminary findings.
The Plateau State Sector Commander, Corps Commander Adelaja Ogungbemi, also said the truck suffered a brake failure while travelling along the route. The vehicle then lost control and collided with other road users.
The FRSC has ordered further investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the crash and determine what led to the reported mechanical failure.
Following the incident, the agency urged motorists to take vehicle maintenance seriously and inspect their vehicles before embarking on journeys. It particularly advised commercial drivers and heavy-duty vehicle operators to pay close attention to braking systems and other critical components.
The FRSC also warned motorists to exercise caution when approaching bends and steep sections of roads. Drivers can face greater risks on descending routes when mechanical problems occur, especially if they cannot bring their vehicles to a controlled stop.
FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed expressed condolences to the families and associates of those who died in the accident. He also called on road users to prioritise roadworthiness and responsible driving.
The latest Plateau road crash has once again drawn attention to the dangers that mechanical failures can create on major highways. The incident also highlights the importance of regular vehicle inspections, particularly for commercial and heavy-duty vehicles that travel long distances.
While the FRSC continues its investigation, authorities have urged motorists to report mechanical faults before travelling and avoid taking vehicles with serious defects onto public roads.
