No fewer than eight students of the University of Jos have died in a road traffic crash along Zaria Road in the Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Peter Longsan, the public education officer of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Plateau command, confirmed the incident to journalists on Thursday in Jos.

He said the incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m. on Thursday and attributed it to speeding and wrongful overtaking.

Mr Longsan, who disclosed that the accident involved two vehicles, said seven of the students died on the spot, while one died at the hospital.

“The crash involved a trailer and a bus with 11 persons, all students of the University of Jos.

“Seven persons died on the spot as certified by the doctor; one victim later died in the hospital, bringing the total number of deaths to eight.

“Three other victims are currently receiving treatment at the hospital; all victims were males.

“Eyewitness reports testified that the bus was on a high speed and engaged in wrongful overtaking, which led to the loss of control and the eventual crash,” he said.

It is being speculated that the students were returning from a “social event” when the crash occurred.

(NAN)