Eight male students of the University of Jos have died following a collision between a trailer and a bus on Zaria Road in Jos, Plateau State.
The crash happened opposite Unity Bank in the early hours of Thursday. Eyewitnesses said eleven students were on the bus when the driver attempted a wrongful overtaking at high speed, which caused him to lose control and ram into the trailer.
Seven victims were confirmed dead at the scene, while another student later passed away at the hospital, bringing the number of deaths to eight. The remaining three are receiving treatment.
The Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Plateau, Peter Longsan, confirmed the incident in a statement.
He said the agency received a distress call around 2.30am and arrived to find the wreckage of the two vehicles.
He said, “Eleven people were on board the bus and were said to be students of the University of Jos. On arrival, seven people were suspected to be dead on the spot and were later certified dead by a doctor.”
“Another victim died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deceased to eight. Three others are currently receiving treatment. All victims were males.”
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Plateau, Olajide Mogaji, urged drivers to avoid night journeys, excessive speed and dangerous driving during the festive period, adding that fatigue and impaired driving remain major triggers of fatal crashes.
“The government needs you alive and wants you to enjoy life to the fullest this festive season and beyond,” he said.
He encouraged the public to call the FRSC emergency number 122 to report crashes and other road emergencies.
