A truck accident in the Hawan-Kibo hamlet in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State killed 12 people and injured 30 others on Thursday.
According to reports, the articulated vehicle was loaded with grain and people and was descending a hill on the deteriorated road when it collapsed into a ditch in the afternoon.
According to witnesses, when the trailer departing Jos overturned, it dumped its contents in the ditch, killing many of the victims on the spot.
On Thursday evening, Mr Godwin Alphonsus, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, verified the accident in Jos.
The sector commander said,
“It was a lone crash. The trailer was carrying bags of grains and human beings. It had a brake failure and crashed into a ditch while ascending a hill. The accident happened in the afternoon on Thursday.
“Since then, our men in Hawan-Kibo have been trying to rescue the victims. From the records so far, 11 persons died on the spot while 30 persons have been rescued and taken to the hospital. Only this evening, I learnt that one of the injured victims has also given up at Gidan Way community bringing the number of the deceased persons to 12.”
The sector commander who described the accident as unfortunate appealed to motorists to be extra vigilant while driving.
He said a situation whereby vehicles meant to carry loads were loaded with human beings at the same should be discouraged at all times.
“We have always told them to avoid carrying human beings with their loads. This is very dangerous and that is why people should avoid entering such vehicles for their own safety,” he cautioned.