Trailer kills seven in Gombe multiple crash

The Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Samson Kaura, has confirmed the death of seven persons in a multiple crash that occurred along Gombe-Billiri Road in the state Kaura made the confirmation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Friday. Kaura said that the crash involving eight vehicles occurred on Thursday around 5.30pm at Tashan Magariya Junction, Kumo, in the Akko Local Government Area.

He stated that 25 persons comprising 14 male adults, three female adults and eight children were involved in the crash. He said 11 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries ranging from compound fracture, laceration and bruises. He stated that all persons involved in the crash were taken to public hospitals in Kumo for proper examination and medical care.

He said that the bodies of the deceased were also deposited at the same hospitals’ mortuary. Kaura said that a Daf trailer moving from Gombe to Yola lost control as a result of brake failure. He said that the trailer then ran on two Volkswagen Golf cars and then crashed five motorcycles, killing seven persons and injuring 11 people. Kaura advised motorists to always check their vehicles before embarking on any journeys while maintaining recommended speed 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.

Kaura also advised on the need to provide safe pedestrian crossings, including footbridges, and encourage people to use them when crossing the highways. “Furthermore, motorcycle operators should avoid parking along the roadside, particularly on market days, such as the Kumo Market Day, when traffic and pedestrian activities increase.” According to him, they should be provided with designated parking areas within motor parks or other safe locations away from the highways.

“As we witnessed on Thursday, parking motorcycles along the roadside is extremely dangerous and exposes operators and other road users to serious risks. “I therefore urge motorists, motorcycle operators, market traders, pedestrians and the relevant authorities to take these safety measures seriously to prevent further accidents and protect lives,” he advised. (NAN)