Tragedy in Gombe as Brake Failure Triggers Multiple-Vehicle Crash, Many Feared Killed
At least seven people have died and 11 others were injured after a trailer reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into several vehicles and motorcycles along the Gombe-Billiri Road in Gombe State.
The accident, which involved eight vehicles, occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at Tashan Magariya Junction, Kumo, in Akko Local Government Area.
The Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, confirmed the incident during an interview with journalists in Gombe on Friday.
Kaura said a DAF trailer heading from Gombe to Yola lost control following brake failure, subsequently colliding with two Volkswagen Golf cars and five motorcycles.
The crash left seven people dead and 11 others injured.
He explained that 25 people were involved in the accident, including 14 adult males, three adult females and eight children.
According to him, the injured victims suffered injuries ranging from compound fractures to cuts and bruises.
Kaura disclosed that emergency responders evacuated all the victims to public hospitals in Kumo, where the injured received medical attention. The bodies of those who died were taken to hospital mortuaries.
Following the incident, the FRSC official urged motorists to prioritise vehicle maintenance and ensure their vehicles were in good working condition before setting out on journeys.
He also warned drivers against excessive speeding, particularly in densely populated areas and along busy roads.
“Driving at a reduced speed can help minimise the severity of injuries and the extent of damage when a road crash occurs,” Kaura said.
Beyond urging motorists to exercise caution, the sector commander called for measures to protect traders and pedestrians operating or moving around highways.
He recommended that markets located along highways be relocated to safer areas or properly fenced off to prevent people from entering the roads indiscriminately.
Kaura also called for the construction of pedestrian footbridges and other safe crossing facilities, urging residents to use them rather than cross highways directly.
Additionally, he emphasised the importance of providing designated parking spaces within motor parks and other appropriate locations away from highways to improve road safety and prevent avoidable accidents.
