Ten Dead, Several Injured In Plateau Highway Horror
Plateau Tragedy – Reckless Driving Claims Ten Lives on Jos–Bauchi Road
IN the early hours of Tuesday, a devastating accident on the Jos–Bauchi Road in Plateau State claimed ten lives, underscoring persistent concerns about road safety in the region. The crash, which occurred around 12:12 a.m., involved two trailers and two Ford Galaxy minibuses, leaving several injured and prompting an urgent multi-agency rescue operation.
Eyewitnesses recounted chaotic scenes at the crash site, noting that all ten victims—adult men—died instantly, while survivors were rushed to the General Hospital in Miango, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital for treatment. The rescue effort, coordinated by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the Nigerian Police, Nigerian Military personnel, and local villagers, reflected the scale and severity of the tragedy.
Peter Longsan, FRSC Plateau State spokesperson, noted that preliminary investigations point to speed and reckless driving as major contributory factors. While the official probe continues, this incident lays bare systemic challenges: over-speeding on highways, poorly enforced traffic regulations, and the vulnerability of road users in Plateau State.
This latest crash is the second major road accident in Plateau within two weeks. Less than fourteen days prior, eight University of Jos students perished in a separate accident along Zaria Road, highlighting an alarming trend in fatal collisions. Experts warn that without stricter enforcement, improved driver education, and enhanced highway safety measures, such tragedies may persist.
The Jos–Bauchi Road accident leaves families mourning and communities questioning the safety of one of Plateau’s busiest highways. As investigators continue their work, there is growing urgency for structural interventions—better road design, proper signage, and emergency response systems—to prevent such catastrophic loss of life in the future.
