Five die, 13 injured in Plateau road crash

A road crash in Langtang North Local Government Area of Plateau State has claimed the lives of five persons, while 13 others sustained injuries.

PUNCH Online learnt that the crash, which occurred at Zangzat Roundabout, Langtang, at about 3 a.m. on Sunday, involved a trailer conveying marketers from Shendam to Jos, the state capital.

The Chairman of Langtang North Local Government Area, Pirfa Tyem, confirmed the accident in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Precious Yakubu.

He said preliminary reports indicated that the accident involved a Plateau State–registered vehicle with plate number JJN 383 YZ and was caused by overspeeding and overloading.

He said, “Preliminary reports indicate that the accident involved a Plateau State-registered vehicle with plate number JJN 383 YZ.

“Upon receiving the report, the Executive Chairman immediately directed a team from the Local Government Council to visit the scene of the accident and the hospital to assess the situation, sympathise with the victims, and ascertain their immediate needs.

“The incident led to the tragic loss of five lives, while about thirteen persons sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at the General Hospital, Langtang.”

The chairman expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.

“This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers associated with reckless driving and disregard for road safety regulations,” he noted, calling on the Federal Road Safety Corps to intensify road safety sensitisation and enforcement.

He urged drivers, transporters, marketers and commuters to prioritise safety, adhere to speed limits and avoid overloading.

“The Council remains committed to collaborating with relevant agencies to promote road safety across the local government area,” the statement added.

The incident comes barely a week after PUNCH Online reported that a fuel tanker crash near St. Louis College in Jos, Plateau State, left two people dead and 16 others injured.

The latest crash in Langtang brings the number of persons killed in various road accidents in Plateau State in the past two weeks to 25.