The death toll from Friday’s multiple-vehicle crash along the Jos-Abuja highway in Plateau State has risen to 23, from the 20 initially reported.

The crash occurred around Hawan Kibo, a steep and winding section of the highway, and involved four vehicles, including a Howo Sino Truck with registration number AGL525YN, a Toyota Corolla with registration number AB 129 M and a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Yankari Express.

At least 20 people were initially confirmed dead in the crash, while several others were injured.

Eyewitnesses attributed the accident to the failure of the truck’s brakes, which allegedly caused it to lose control while descending the steep section of the road before ramming into several passenger vehicles.

One eyewitness said the crash occurred at about 6:00 p.m.

“The vehicle lost control while coming down the hill. It was a terrible scene. People were shouting for help, and many victims were trapped in their vehicles,” he said.

The injured victims were reportedly rushed to nearby health centres for treatment.

A resident of the area told The Guardian yesterday that three additional bodies were later recovered from the bush around the scene of the accident, bringing the death toll to 23.

He described Hawan Kibo as a dangerous section of the highway because of its steep bends and rocky terrain, saying the road had remained hazardous for years.