19 people lost their lives in a tragic auto crash in Plateau State.
At least 19 people, including five Nigerian Air Force personnel, tragically lost their lives in a motor accident in the Hawan Kibo community of Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
The incident occurred on Monday night, October 21, 2024, when an 18-seater bus traveling from Adamawa State to Abuja collided with a stationary trailer that was undergoing roadside repairs.
Christopher Maju, a resident and eyewitness, attributed the accident to brake failure. He recounted, “It was in the night. Several vehicles were already at the checkpoint in Hawan Kibo community after being stopped by soldiers who usually check every vehicle before allowing them to pass. Suddenly, we saw a bus speeding toward the checkpoint, and the occupants were shouting, ‘No brake, no brake!'”
In an apparent attempt to avoid crashing into the long queue of vehicles at the checkpoint, the driver swerved off the road but ultimately collided with the stationary trailer, resulting in 18 fatalities at the scene. One injured passenger, who was still breathing at the time, died while being transported to the hospital.
Peter Yakubu, spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau State, confirmed the casualties, stating that all the deceased had been taken to the hospital morgue. He added, “No one survived the accident. The sole person taken to the hospital later succumbed. Eighteen died at the scene, while one died at the hospital. The whole incident was caused by brake failure. It is rather unfortunate.”
In response to the tragedy, Plateau State Governor Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Nigerian Air Force, the government, and the people of Adamawa State. In a message issued by Gyang Bere, his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Governor Mutfwang described the accident as a devastating loss, particularly due to the unfortunate deaths of all passengers, including five personnel from the Nigerian Air Force. He referred to the incident as a profound tragedy and extended his sincere sympathy to the bereaved families, the Governor of Adamawa State, the Chief of the Air Staff, and all those affected by this painful event, praying that such heart-wrenching occurrences would not happen again.
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