Gombe Crash: Trailer Kills Seven, Injures 11 Others

Seven people have died and 11 others sustained injuries in a multiple crash involving eight vehicles along Gombe-Billiri Road in Gombe State.

The Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samson Kaura, confirmed the incident in an interview on Friday.

Kaura said the crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at Tashan Magariya Junction, Kumo, in Akko Local Government Area.

He explained that a DAF trailer travelling from Gombe to Yola lost control due to brake failure, rammed into two Volkswagen Golf cars and crashed into five motorcycles.

According to him, 25 people, comprising 14 adult males, three adult females and eight children, were involved in the crash. Seven died, while 11 sustained injuries, including fractures, lacerations and bruises.

The injured victims were taken to public hospitals in Kumo for medical attention, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in mortuaries.

Kaura urged motorists to inspect their vehicles before embarking on journeys and obey speed limits, particularly in built-up areas and along busy roads.

He also called on authorities to relocate markets situated along highways or fence them off to prevent traders and pedestrians from accessing the roads directly. He urged the provision of safe pedestrian crossings, including footbridges.

The FRSC commander further advised motorcycle operators against parking along roadsides, especially on market days when traffic and pedestrian movement increase.

He called on motorists, motorcycle operators, traders, pedestrians and relevant authorities to observe road safety measures to prevent further crashes and protect lives.