A tragic road accident along the New Mile 3 section of the Gombe-Yola Federal Highway has claimed the lives of a female police officer and a male pedestrian after a DAF truck reportedly lost control and rammed into motorcycles, pedestrians and roadside shops.
The fatal crash occurred around 11:30am on Wednesday, triggering panic in the busy area as residents and motorists scrambled for safety.
Authorities say the accident was caused by brake failure and a traffic route violation committed by the truck driver while attempting to enter a filling station through a one-way access point.
Nigeria Police Force confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi.
The police identified one of the victims as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, who was attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Command. The second victim, an adult male pedestrian, had not been identified at the time of reporting.
“As a result of the accident, two persons, namely Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina attached to Communications department, Gombe State Command, and one unidentified male pedestrian, regrettably lost their lives,” the police statement said.
Two other persons, including the truck driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment. The crash also destroyed three motorcycles and damaged several nearby shops.
The Federal Road Safety Corps also confirmed the incident, with Gombe State Sector Commander Samson Kaura blaming the crash on the driver’s refusal to follow the approved traffic route after leaving a filling station.
“It was caused by a trailer who took fuel at Rano filling station. Instead of taking the right route, he did route violation. He lost control,” Kaura explained.
Following the tragedy, Gombe State Commissioner of Police Umar Chuso warned motorists against violating traffic regulations and urged drivers to properly maintain their vehicles to avoid preventable accidents.
The FRSC also appealed to road users to obey traffic rules and avoid reckless driving practices that put lives at risk.
The incident adds to growing concerns over road safety across Nigeria, coming just hours after another fatal crash in Akure, Ondo State, where two persons were killed in an accident involving a truck, motorcycle and a Nissan vehicle.
