Six Dead, Five Injured as Tanker Loses Control in Plateau

At least six persons were confirmed dead while five others sustained serious injuries after a tanker lost control and rammed into parked vehicles near the Polo Club Roundabout in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night.

Eyewitnesses said the tanker suffered a brake failure and descended uncontrollably, crashing into several vehicles. The driver and his conductor were among those who died on the spot. Vehicles involved in the crash were said to have been completely damaged and later towed to the “A” Division Police Station along with the tanker.

The tanker, reportedly owned by Jingri Filling Station, Jos, also destroyed property valued at millions of naira.

Public Education Officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau Command, Superintendent Route Commander Peter Longsan, said a total of 18 people were involved in the crash. According to him, two male adults died instantly, while 16 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to Plateau State Specialist Hospital and Bingham University Teaching Hospital. The remains of the deceased have been deposited at BUTH mortuary.

Longsan explained that the tanker lost its brakes shortly after the Plateau State Specialist Hospital Roundabout and continued to speed downhill until it crashed to a halt on parked vehicles.

He commended the swift response of security and emergency agencies who cordoned off the area, diverted traffic, and prevented fuel theft and possible fire outbreak. Fortunately, there was no fuel spillage from the tanker, reducing the risk of explosion.

Emergency responders at the scene included FRSC officers, the Nigerian Police, Civil Defence Corps, Operation Rainbow, the Nigerian Army, Federal Fire Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers and the Red Cross.

The FRSC urged motorists to remain vigilant, avoid reckless driving, and report emergencies via the FRSC toll-free line 122 as the festive season continues.