A multiple-vehicle crash involving a trailer, two cars and five motorcycles has left 11 people dead and several others injured at Tashan Magarya Junction in Kumo, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The accident occurred at about 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, along the Gombe-Billiri Road, according to an incident report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).
Preliminary findings attributed the crash to brake failure involving a DAF trailer travelling from Gombe towards Yola. The driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle before it rammed into two Volkswagen Golf cars and five motorcycles, bringing the total number of vehicles involved to eight.
The FRSC said its rescue team received a distress call at 5:32 p.m. and arrived at the scene two minutes later to commence emergency operations. The injured victims were evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre in Kumo for medical attention, while first aid was administered to those affected.
The report stated that the injured victims sustained varying degrees of injuries, including compound fractures, lacerations and bruises. The identities of the deceased had not been made public as of the time of reporting.
Following the rescue operation, the vehicles involved in the crash were handed over to the Motor Traffic Division of the Nigeria Police Force in Kumo for further investigation.
The incident has renewed concerns over road safety and the dangers posed by mechanical failures involving heavy-duty vehicles on Nigerian highways. Motorists and transport operators are urged to ensure regular vehicle maintenance and observe road safety regulations to reduce the risk of fatal accidents.
