A road traffic crash in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, has claimed the lives of seven people, with 11 others sustaining varying degrees of injury.
According to an incident report released by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the fatal crash occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday at the Tashan Magariya Junction along the busy Gombe-Billiri highway.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a DAF heavy-duty trailer, traveling from Gombe toward Yola, suffered a sudden brake failure.
The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle before ramming into two cars and five motorcycles.
In total, eight vehicles were involved in the accident, which directly affected 25 individuals.
FRSC operatives confirmed that seven individuals lost their lives on the spot, comprising four adult males, two male children, and one female child.
Out of the 18 surviving victims, 11 sustained injuries ranging from compound fractures to deep cuts and severe bruises.
The remaining seven individuals involved in the incident were said to have escaped unhurt or were treated and discharged at the scene.
Emergency Response
Demonstrating swift response times, the FRSC command received a distress call regarding the crash at 5:32 p.m. and had emergency response teams at the scene within two minutes.
The injured victims were promptly evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, for urgent medical attention, while 11 other victims received immediate first-aid treatment.
The wreckage of the vehicles involved has been recovered and handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Kumo for further investigation.
Meanwhile, the identities of the deceased remain unreleased pending notification of their families, and official updates on the conditions of those hospitalized are expected from medical authorities.
Growing Safety Concerns
This devastating incident underscores recurring concerns regarding the roadworthiness of heavy-duty freight vehicles traversing major Nigerian highways.
Transport stakeholders and safety advocates continue to emphasize the urgent necessity for stringent, regular mechanical inspections and routine maintenance of commercial trucks to prevent equipment failures that endanger public safety on busy corridors.
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