Seven Killed, 11 Injured As Trailer Crashes Into Seven Vehicles In Gombe

Seven people have died and 11 others sustained injuries after a trailer crashed into seven other vehicles at Tashan Magariya Junction in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.

The crash occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, along the Gombe-Billiri Road, according to Samson Kaura, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Kaura disclosed the details in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Gombe on Friday.

He said the crash involved eight vehicles, including a DAF trailer travelling from Gombe towards Yola, two Volkswagen Golf cars and five motorcycles.

According to him, the trailer lost control after experiencing brake failure, ran into the two cars and subsequently crashed into the five motorcycles.

The incident left seven people dead, while 11 others sustained injuries ranging from compound fractures to cuts and bruises.

Kaura said 25 people were involved in the crash, comprising 14 adult men, three adult women and eight children.

He added that all those involved were taken to public hospitals in Kumo for medical examination and treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited in hospital mortuaries.

The FRSC sector commander urged motorists to inspect their vehicles before embarking on journeys and observe speed limits, particularly in built-up areas and along busy roads.

He also called on relevant authorities and other stakeholders to consider relocating markets situated along highways or fencing them off to prevent traders and pedestrians from moving directly onto the roads.

Kaura further advised authorities to provide safe pedestrian crossings, including footbridges, and urged motorcycle operators to avoid parking along highways, especially during market days when traffic and pedestrian movements increase.

He said designated motorcycle parking areas should be provided within motor parks and other safe locations away from busy roads.

The circumstances surrounding the reported brake failure were not independently established in the information available at the time of reporting.