A tragic road mishap has left seven people dead and several others injured after a commercial bus lost control and crashed in Yobe State, once again drawing attention to road safety concerns along major inter-state routes.
Police authorities confirmed that four additional passengers sustained injuries of varying severity and are currently receiving medical attention.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for caution among motorists, particularly those operating long-distance passenger services.
According to the Yobe State Police Command, the accident occurred when a Sharon bus transporting travellers encountered a sudden mechanical failure while in motion.
The vehicle was said to be heading toward Maiduguri after departing from Gombe State.
Providing details, the police explained that the bus suffered a rear tyre burst, an incident that caused the driver to lose control.
Consequently, the vehicle veered off the highway and plunged into nearby bushes, leading to the fatal outcome.
“The impact was severe, and unfortunately, some of the passengers did not survive the crash,” a police source said, adding that emergency responders were mobilised immediately after a distress call was received.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Yobe State, Emmanuel Ado, expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.
He described the incident as heartbreaking and urged relatives of the victims to remain strong during the difficult period.
“The Command shares in the grief of the affected families and prays for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Ado said. He further stressed that preventable factors often contribute to such accidents.
Furthermore, the police chief reiterated the commitment of the Command to promoting road safety across the state.
He warned drivers against excessive speeding, poor vehicle maintenance and reckless driving, noting that strict compliance with traffic regulations could significantly reduce accidents.
Hence, authorities have again advised motorists to prioritise safety checks before embarking on journeys, especially during the festive travel season when road traffic is usually heavy.