From Christiana Gokyo, Jos
Eight students of the University of Jos have died in a road crash involving a trailer and a bus along Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State.
The accident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday opposite Unity Bank, Zaria Road, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps.
In a statement signed by the Public Education Officer of the FRSC Plateau State Sector Command, Superintendent Route Commander Peter Y. Longsan, the crash involved a trailer and a bus conveying 11 passengers, all said to be male students of the University of Jos, who were returning to school.
The statement said that seven victims were suspected to have died on the spot and were later certified dead by a medical doctor, while another victim died at the hospital, bringing the total number of casualties to eight.
Three other students sustained varying degrees of injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Jos.
An eyewitness was quoted as saying that the bus was travelling at high speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, leading to loss of control and the eventual collision with the trailer.
“The crash involved two vehicles, a trailer and a bus. Eleven persons were on board the bus. On arrival of our operatives, seven persons were suspected dead and later confirmed by a doctor, while one victim died at the hospital,” the statement read.
The FRSC said a detailed investigation into the cause of the crash was ongoing.
Meanwhile, the Sector Commander, Corps Commander Olajide E. Mogaji, urged motorists, particularly drivers, to desist from night travels and dangerous driving habits.
He also warned against excessive speed, wrongful overtaking, driving under the influence of alcohol, and driving while sick or fatigued, describing them as major causes of fatal road crashes.
“The government needs you alive and wants you to live life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” Mogaji said.
He further advised members of the public to promptly report road crashes and emergencies by calling the FRSC toll-free number 122.
