Seven dead, 31 injured in Gombe road accident

A devastating auto crash claimed the lives of at least seven people and left 31 others injured along the Kaltungo-Cham Road in Gombe State.  

The incident, which occurred around 7:30 a.m., was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander, Mr. Samson Kaura, during a briefing in Gombe.

According to Kaura, the crash involved a lone trailer transporting soft drinks and 38 passengers, including 34 males, two females, and two children. The accident was attributed to a suspected brake failure.

The FRSC commander expressed concern over the high casualty rate and emphasized the need for regular vehicle maintenance to prevent such tragedies. He also urged drivers to adhere to safety guidelines to protect lives on the road.

Efforts are ongoing to provide medical assistance to the injured and to support the families of the deceased.

He said the deceased comprised five males, one female, and a child, adding that the corpses had been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital Kaltungo, while 31 injured persons were receiving medical attention at the facility.

He cautioned Nigerians against joining trailers to reduce high transportation fares, adding that “always consider the cost of road traffic crashes and loss of lives, and how much you will pay as the cost of transportation.

“Only a lone crash and we have many casualties; we spent a whole day attending to the situation.

“We advise against using trailers to travel because they (travellers) want to avoid paying the high cost of transportation.

“Please stop joining trailers or heavy-duty vehicles. They are not meant to convey humans, but goods,” he said.

Kaura also advised drivers to ensure good vehicle maintenance to curb crashes. NAN