At least 20 people have died in a multiple vehicle crash at Hawan Kibo in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure while descending the notoriously difficult highway.
The accident occurred at about 5 pm, leaving several people injured and triggering an emergency rescue operation as residents, travelers and officials struggled to reach victims trapped inside damaged vehicles.
The Plateau State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Adelaja Ogungbemi, confirmed the accident and said personnel were immediately deployed to the scene.
According to the FRSC, 18 occupants of a commercial bus and two people traveling in the truck were killed.
Ogungbemi attributed the crash to brake failure and renewed calls for motorists and transport operators to ensure that vehicles are properly maintained before embarking on journeys.
He particularly warned drivers traveling through steep and winding roads to ensure that braking systems and other critical components are in good condition.
Witnesses said the truck appeared to lose control while descending the hill before crashing into other vehicles.
The impact left several victims trapped in the wreckage as residents rushed to assist before emergency personnel arrived.
One witness described scenes of confusion as people screamed for help and attempted to rescue passengers.
Another resident said the number of people who gathered at the scene initially complicated rescue efforts, although FRSC personnel eventually evacuated the injured and recovered the bodies of those who died.
The injured were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment while emergency personnel continued efforts to clear the highway.
Hawan Kibo has long generated road safety concerns because of its difficult terrain and history of serious accidents.
The latest deaths are expected to renew questions about vehicle maintenance, enforcement of roadworthiness standards and measures required to reduce crashes along the corridor.
