Thirty people were injured in an accident involving a caravan in the Hawan-Kibo hamlet in the Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Thursday, while at least twelve people were confirmed dead.
The articulated vehicle went into a ditch when it was descending a hill on the run-down road. It was said that the vehicle was carrying sacks of wheat and people.
Witnesses claimed that majority of the victims were killed instantly when the caravan, which was departing Jos, overturned and emptied its goods into the ditch.
The collision was verified by Mr. Godwin Alphonsus, the Federal Road Safety Corps’ Sector Commander for Plateau state.
It was a lone crash, he said. Both people and bags of grains were being transported in the caravan. It was going up a hill when its brakes failed and it went into a ditch. Thursday afternoon was when the accident occurred.
“Our men in Hawan-Kibo have been attempting to rescue the victims ever since.” According to the available statistics, 30 people have been rescued and transported to a hospital, while 11 people have passed away immediately.
“I didn’t find out until this evening that another injured victim had passed away, making 12 people dead overall.”
The sector commander urged drivers to use additional caution when operating a vehicle.
He stated that it should always be avoided when cars designed to carry loads are also filled with people.
“We have consistently advised them not to load up people with their burdens. For their own safety, individuals should stay out of these kinds of vehicles since they are quite dangerous, he advised.
