16 dead, 83 injured in PDP Plateau accident

• Published date: 16 January 2023
• Publication title: Nigeria - The Nation

'Excessive speed, overloading cause of accident'

Lalong mourns PDP, APC suspends campaign'

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) yesterday confirmed that 16 persons died while 83 others sustained injuries when a truck conveying supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) crashed near Panyam, Mangu Local Government Area of Jos, Plateau State.

A statement by the Route Commander/Public Enlightenment Officer, Peter Longsan, reads: 'A fatal accident happened on January 14, on the Pankshin/Jos Road, about 5pm.

'It was a lone crash involving a truck conveying people from a Plateau Central political campaign rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The number of people involved was 99 - 16 persons died and 83 others sustained injuries. The injured were taken to hospitals in Panyam and Mangu town, both in Mangu council, while the bodies were deposited at Mangu General Hospital, Panyam General Hospital, and Nissi Private Hospital.

'The accident was the result of excessive speed and overloading, which caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

'The FRSC advises motorists to use vehicles strictly for the purpose they were made for, maintain safe speed, install speed limits and ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.'

Governor Simon Lalong, while commiserating with the bereaved families, described the tragedy as a huge loss to the state.

He also sympathised with the PDP family and prayed God to grant eternal rest to the dead, and quick recovery to the injured.

The governor also appealed for caution among motorists and party supporters during the electioneering period where vehicular movement is heightened across the country.

Lalong, in a statement by his spokesman Makut Macham, urged motorists to put safety first and observe road safety...