Seven people have been confirmed dead following a road accident involving eight vehicles at Tashan Magariya Junction in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The incident, which occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday along the Gombe-Billiri Road, also left 11 people injured after a heavy-duty trailer reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into several vehicles and motorcycles.
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe State, Mr Samson Kaura, confirmed the fatalities and explained that the accident involved 25 people, including adults and children.
According to him, the trailer was travelling from Gombe towards Yola when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle following a brake malfunction.
The trailer subsequently rammed into two Volkswagen Golf cars before crashing into five motorcycles, resulting in multiple casualties.
The incident has renewed concerns about vehicle roadworthiness, traffic management and the dangers associated with busy road junctions, particularly in areas where commercial activities and pedestrian movements take place close to major highways.
Seven dead, 11 sustain injuries
Giving an account of the accident, Kaura disclosed that 25 people were involved in the crash. The victims comprised 14 adult males, three adult females and eight children.
He said seven people died, while 11 others sustained injuries of varying severity.
The injuries recorded included compound fractures, lacerations and bruises, according to the sector commander.
Emergency responders conveyed the people involved in the incident to public hospitals in Kumo, where they were to receive medical attention and undergo further examinations.
Kaura added that the bodies of the deceased were taken to the mortuaries of the hospitals.
Although the immediate cause of the accident was attributed to brake failure, the incident highlights the potential consequences of mechanical defects involving heavy-duty vehicles, particularly when they travel along busy routes shared by motorists, commercial operators and pedestrians.
A vehicle that loses its braking capacity may become difficult to control, especially when approaching a junction or moving through a densely populated area. Such situations can place other road users at considerable risk.
In his reaction to the tragedy, Kaura advised motorists to ensure their vehicles were in good working condition before setting out on any journey.
He stressed that routine vehicle inspections were essential to identifying mechanical problems that could lead to road crashes.
Motorists were also advised to observe speed limits and exercise additional caution when driving through built-up areas and locations with heavy pedestrian traffic.
Kaura explained that reducing speed could help limit the severity of injuries and property damage when an accident occurred.
“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 said.
His advice comes against the backdrop of the risks associated with driving heavy vehicles through populated areas, where an unexpected mechanical failure can have consequences for several road users.
Vehicle owners and drivers are therefore expected to pay attention to critical components, including braking systems, before embarking on long-distance journeys.
However, safe driving also requires compliance with traffic regulations, appropriate speed management and constant awareness of other vehicles and pedestrians.
Beyond vehicle maintenance and responsible driving, the Gombe FRSC commander identified roadside commercial activities as another issue requiring attention from government authorities and other stakeholders.
Kaura urged the relevant authorities to consider relocating markets situated close to highways or fencing them off to prevent traders and pedestrians from moving directly onto busy roads.
Markets located near major transport routes often attract large numbers of people, particularly on designated market days. Where adequate separation between commercial activities and moving vehicles is lacking, the risk of collisions may increase.
He said measures should be introduced to protect people who visit markets or conduct business close to highways.
According to him, providing safer locations for trading and preventing uncontrolled movement onto major roads could help reduce exposure to traffic-related dangers.
The proposed measures would also require cooperation among government agencies, market leaders, traders and community representatives to ensure that commercial activities do not unnecessarily endanger lives.
Kaura also called for the provision of safe pedestrian crossing facilities, including footbridges, along busy highways.
He urged pedestrians to use designated crossing points instead of attempting to cross roads at locations where approaching vehicles might not have sufficient time or distance to stop.
The sector commander further warned motorcycle operators against parking along the roadside, particularly during Kumo Market Day, when traffic and pedestrian movements typically increase.
He recommended that designated motorcycle parking areas be established within motor parks or other suitable locations away from highways.
According to him, roadside parking exposes motorcycle operators and other road users to unnecessary risks, especially where parked motorcycles obstruct visibility or reduce the available space for moving vehicles.
“As we witnessed on Thursday, parking motorcycles along the roadside is extremely dangerous and exposes operators and other road users to serious risks,” he said.
He urged motorists, motorcycle operators, traders, pedestrians and relevant authorities to take road safety precautions seriously.
“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,” Kaura added.
The crash serves as a reminder of the need for regular vehicle maintenance, responsible driving, safer market locations and improved pedestrian facilities.
While the immediate incident was linked to a reported brake failure, the FRSC commander’s recommendations also point to the importance of addressing road conditions and roadside activities that could increase the danger faced by motorists and pedestrians.
Effective enforcement of traffic regulations, proper vehicle inspections and cooperation among road users and public authorities remain important measures for reducing preventable accidents and protecting lives on Gombe State’s highways.
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