A tragic road accident along the Gombe–Yola highway on Wednesday claimed the lives of a female police officer and a male pedestrian after a truck reportedly suffered brake failure and rammed into roadside shops at the New Mile 3 Market in Gombe State.
The truck, said to be loaded with bags of grain, reportedly lost control while approaching the busy market area, crashing into traders, passersby and nearby structures.
Two other persons, including the driver of the vehicle, sustained injuries in the incident.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the driver was travelling from the Taraba axis when the vehicle developed brake failure, leading to the devastating collision.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Police Command said the crash involved a DAF truck with registration number XH 122 GME, three motorcycles, pedestrians and several roadside shops.
The command’s spokesperson, Buhari Abdullahi, stated that preliminary findings indicated the driver attempted to access a filling station through a one-way route before the truck’s brakes failed.
He said the deceased were identified as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Police Command, and an unidentified male pedestrian.
According to him, “Two persons lost their lives in the accident, while two others, including the truck driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
The incident also caused damage to three motorcycles and some nearby shops.”
Abdullahi added that the Commissioner of Police in the state, Umar Ahmed Chuso, had cautioned motorists against violating traffic regulations and urged vehicle owners to ensure regular maintenance of their automobiles to prevent avoidable tragedies.
Reacting to the incident, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the crash as painful and unfortunate, noting that the loss of lives and destruction recorded in the accident was deeply saddening.
The governor sympathised with the bereaved families and wished those injured a quick recovery.
He also commended security operatives and emergency responders for their prompt intervention at the scene.
Yahaya further urged motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, to strictly obey traffic laws and prioritise safety while on the road to reduce the growing cases of preventable accidents.