At least seven people lost their lives, and 31 others were injured in a tragic auto crash along the Kaltungo-Cham Road in Gombe State.
The incident, involving a lone truck carrying soft drinks and 38 passengers, occurred around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday. Samson Kaura, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Sector Commander in Gombe State, confirmed the details.
Mr. Kaura attributed the crash to suspected brake failure.
The victims included 34 males, two females, and two children. Among the deceased were five males, one female, and a child. Their bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital Kaltungo morgue, while the injured are receiving treatment at the same facility.
The sector commander urged Nigerians to avoid traveling in trailers, a common practice to save on transportation costs. He emphasized the dangers involved, saying, “Consider the cost of road crashes and loss of lives compared to transportation fares. Trailers and heavy-duty vehicles are not designed to carry passengers but goods.”
He also called on drivers to prioritize vehicle maintenance to prevent similar tragedies. “Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure road safety and reduce accidents caused by mechanical failures,” he added.