At least eight students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) were killed early Thursday morning in a tragic road accident on Zaria Road, Jos, Plateau State. The incident occurred when a trailer lost control and collided with a bus carrying students from a night outing.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus driver also died in the crash, while two students survived and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
The students had been returning home around 2 a.m. in two hired buses when the trailer, reportedly traveling at high speed, suffered brake failure and rammed into one of the buses. The impact caused the bus to crash into an electric pole near Farin Gada bridge.
A survivor recounted: “The collision tore the bus apart, killing eight occupants instantly. We were sitting at the back, so the force didn’t hit us as badly. Immediately, the trailer struck us, and the bus started shaking. Before anyone could react, we hit the electric pole. The whole bus just broke apart.”
Authorities confirmed that a manhunt has been launched for the trailer driver, who fled the scene following the accident. Plateau State Police spokesman DSP Alabo Alfred was not immediately available for comment.
The incident has sparked grief and shock across the university community as investigations continue.