The Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps have confirmed the death of two persons following a fatal motor accident along the New Mile 3 axis of the Gombe–Yola Federal Highway in Gombe State.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the accident occurred at about 11:30am and involved a DAF truck with registration number XH 122 GME, three motorcycles, pedestrians and nearby shops.
According to the statement, preliminary investigation revealed that the truck driver, while attempting to enter AA Rano Filling Station through a one-way access, reportedly suffered brake failure, lost control of the vehicle and rammed into motorcycles, pedestrians and shops.
The police identified the deceased as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Command, and an unidentified male pedestrian.
“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, while two other persons, including the truck driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment,” the statement said.
The command added that the accident caused damage to three motorcycles and some nearby shops.
The Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Chuso, warned motorists against traffic violations and urged drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles.
“The Commissioner of Police warns motorists against all forms of traffic violations and urges drivers to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations and proper maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable road accidents,” the statement added.
Also confirming the incident, the Sector Commander of the FRSC in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, blamed the crash on route violation by the trailer driver.
“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. Two casualty, one male and one female. The two had injuries,” Kaura said.
He further appealed to motorists to obey traffic regulations to prevent accidents.
“Take the right lane to prevent accidents, people should obey regulations, we should organise our journey in such a way that we can take our time to comply with route regulation,” he added.