Brake Failure: Trailer kills seven in Gombe multiple-vehicle crash

The Gombe sector commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Samson Kaura, confirmed seven people were killed in a multiple-vehicle crash that occurred along Gombe-Billiri Road.

Mr Kaura confirmed this in an interview in Gombe on Friday.

Mr Kaura said the crash involving eight vehicles occurred on Thursday around 5.30 p.m. at Tashan Magariya Junction, Kumo, in Akko council area. He said 25 people, comprising 14 male adults, three female adults, and eight children, were involved in the crash.

The FRSC official disclosed that 11 people sustained varying degrees of injuries ranging from compound fractures to lacerations and bruises. He said all persons involved in the crash were taken to public hospitals in Kumo for examination and medical care.

Mr Kaura said that the remains of the deceased were deposited at the hospitals’ mortuaries. Mr Kaura said a Daf trailer moving from Gombe to Yola lost control due to brake failure. He said the trailer then ran on two Volkswagen Golf cars and crashed into five motorcycles, killing seven people and injuring 11 people.

Mr Kaura advised motorists to always check their vehicles before embarking on any journeys and to maintain recommended speeds on any route they are plying.

“I would advise motorists to observe speed limits, especially in built-up 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.”

He urged 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.

Mr Kaura also advised providing safe pedestrian crossings, including footbridges, and encouraging people to use them when crossing the highways. According to him, they should be provided with designated parking areas within motor parks or other safe locations away from the highways.