Tragedy struck early Thursday, December 11, 2025, when a trailer crushed a bus carrying University of Jos students. The accident happened along Zaria Road in the Jos metropolis. At least eight students died instantly. The bus driver also lost his life. Two other students survived and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Eyewitnesses said the victims were returning from a night outing. The crash shocked many residents because the students were close to home. Emergency responders arrived shortly after the incident.
How the Crash Occurred
The students reportedly moved in two hired buses around 2 am. They were heading toward the Zaria Road Stadium area. A fast-moving trailer approached from behind. The vehicle allegedly suffered brake failure. It then rammed into one of the buses.
The impact was severe. The driver lost control. The bus veered off the road and hit an electric pole near the Farin Gada bridge. The force tore the bus apart.
A survivor gave a chilling account. He said:
“The collision tore the bus apart, killing eight occupants instantly before emergency responders later arrived to evacuate the bodies and rushed the two to a nearby hospital.
“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.
“We were heading home after a night out in two buses around 2am when the tragic incident happened. It was so sudden. We didn’t even see the trailer. After the hit, everyone was shouting, then the crash happened.”
His testimony highlights the sudden nature of the crash.
Police Reaction and Ongoing Search
The Plateau State Police spokesman, DSP Alabo Alfred, was not available to confirm the incident. However, a senior police officer spoke with newsmen. He disclosed that officers had launched a manhunt for the trailer driver. The driver reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled.
Security agencies now seek eyewitnesses for more information. The police also plan to conduct a full investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The University of Jos community is in deep grief. Many students said they were shocked by the news. Parents and relatives gathered at the hospital to seek updates. The state government is expected to issue a statement soon.
The tragic event adds to the rising concern about night-time road crashes in parts of Nigeria. Many residents have repeated calls for stricter checks on heavy-duty vehicles. Road safety experts also urge better enforcement of traffic regulations.