A ROAD traffic crash at Tashan Magariya Junction in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, has claimed the lives of seven people, while 11 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
News Point Nigeria reports that, 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 along the busy Gombe-Billiri highway.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that a DAF heavy-duty trailer travelling from Gombe towards Yola suffered a sudden brake failure, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle before it rammed 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 people died on the spot, comprising four adult males, two male children and one female child.
Of the 18 surviving victims, 11 sustained injuries ranging from compound fractures to deep cuts and severe bruises.
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The remaining seven individuals involved in the incident were said to have escaped unhurt or received treatment and were discharged at the scene.
Demonstrating a swift emergency response, the FRSC command received a distress call about the crash at 5:32 p.m. and deployed emergency response teams to 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 in the crash 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 have not been released pending notification of their families, while official updates on the conditions of those hospitalised are expected from medical authorities.
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The devastating incident has once again highlighted recurring concerns over the roadworthiness of heavy-duty freight vehicles operating on major Nigerian highways.
Transport stakeholders and road safety advocates continue to stress the urgent need for stringent and regular mechanical inspections, as well as routine maintenance of commercial trucks, to prevent equipment failures that endanger public safety on busy highways.
