At least 10 people have lost their lives following a tragic road accident along the Jos–Bauchi Road in Plateau State in the early hours of Tuesday.

The crash, which occurred around 12:12 am, involved four vehicles, two trailers, and two Ford Galaxy minibuses. Eyewitnesses said the impact was severe, leaving many victims trapped before emergency responders arrived.

The Federal Road Safety Corps confirmed that 19 people were involved in the accident, including 17 men and two women. Ten adult men reportedly died instantly at the scene, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.

According to the FRSC, rescue operations were swiftly carried out by a joint team comprising road safety officials, police officers, military personnel, and local residents. The injured victims were taken to General Hospital Miango, Jos University Teaching Hospital, and Plateau State Specialist Hospital for treatment. Eight of the deceased were deposited at designated morgues, while two bodies were released to officials of the National Union of Road Transport Workers for burial.

Preliminary investigations by the FRSC indicate that excessive speed and reckless driving were major factors that led to the crash, resulting in loss of control by the drivers involved.

Reacting to the incident, the Plateau State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Corps Commander Olajide Mogaji, expressed deep concern over the recurring nature of fatal crashes on the route. He described the incident as particularly painful, noting that it occurred barely two weeks after a similar accident claimed the lives of eight University of Jos students.

Mogaji advised motorists to avoid night travel, reduce speed, and refrain from driving while fatigued, sick, or under the influence of alcohol. He also urged road users to prioritise safety and promptly report emergencies through the FRSC toll-free number, 122.

The accident has once again highlighted the dangers of reckless driving and the urgent need for greater caution on Nigeria’s highways.