A devastating early morning road accident on the Jos-Bauchi highway has resulted in the tragic loss of ten lives, with several others sustaining injuries. The fatal crash, which occurred in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, involved multiple vehicles and has prompted urgent safety warnings from authorities.
Details of the Tragic Incident
The collision happened in the early hours of Tuesday, December 23, 2025, shortly after a military checkpoint. According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the accident took place at approximately 12:12 am. It involved a total of four vehicles: two trailers and two Ford Galaxy mini buses.
Peter Y. Longsan, the Superintendent and Route Commander who serves as the Public Education Officer for the FRSC Plateau State Command, provided official confirmation of the incident. He stated that the rescue operation was a collaborative effort, involving personnel from the FRSC, the Nigeria Police Force, officers from the relevant ministry, and local villagers who rushed to assist.
Casualty Figures and Emergency Response
The FRSC commander gave a detailed breakdown of the casualties. A total of 19 people were involved in the crash—17 men and 2 women. Tragically, 10 adult men lost their lives on the spot.
Those who were injured in the ghastly accident were swiftly transported to multiple medical facilities for urgent care. The hospitals that received victims include:
- General Hospital Miyabarkate
- Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH)
- Plateau State Specialist Hospital
Regarding the deceased, eight corpses were deposited at the morgues of Plateau Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital. In a somber note, officials from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) claimed two of the bodies for immediate burial arrangements.
Cause of Crash and Official Safety Advisory
While the FRSC noted that a full investigation is still ongoing, preliminary findings have pointed to clear contributing factors. Excessive speed and reckless driving have been identified as the major causes that led to the catastrophic collision.
In light of this tragedy, the Plateau State Sector Command of the FRSC has issued a strong advisory to all road users. The command specifically called on commuters to avoid night trips where visibility and driver fatigue pose significant risks. They further urged motorists to shun excessive speed, dangerous overtaking, and all forms of dangerous driving, emphasizing that individuals must take their personal safety with the utmost seriousness.
This fatal accident on a major interstate route underscores the persistent challenges of road safety in Nigeria and serves as a grim reminder during the festive season when travel peaks.