No fewer than 12 persons were reportedly killed with 30 others injured in a truck accident at Hawan Kibo town in Riyom Local Council of Plateau State.

It was gathered that the articulated vehicle with grain sacks and people while ascending a hill crashed into a ditch.

The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Plateau State, Gowon Alphonsus, confirmed the incident to newsmen in the evening of Thursday.

According to him, “it was a solitary crash. The caravan was transporting grain bundles as well as people. While ascending a slope, it suffered a brake failure and crashed into a ditch. On Thursday afternoon, the accident occurred.

“Since then, our men in Hawan Kibo have been trying to rescue the victims. From the record so far, 11 people died on the spot while 30 persons have been rescued and taken to hospital. Only this evening, I learnt that one of the injured victims has also given up at Gidan Waya community bringing the number of the deceased persons to 12.”

The Commander urged motorists to be extra careful and cautious while driving, adding that situations whereby vehicles designed to carry loads are also filled with people should be avoided at all costs.

“We have always warned them to avoid transporting anyone with their loads. This is quite dangerous. Passengers should not be entering such vehicles for their own safety,” he said.