A policewoman and another person have been confirmed dead after a truck lost control and rammed into roadside shops at the New Mile 3 Market along the Gombe–Yola Federal Highway in Gombe State.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Wednesday, also left two persons injured, including the truck driver, while several shops and property were destroyed.
Eyewitnesses said the truck, which was loaded with bags of grains and coming from the Taraba axis, reportedly suffered brake failure while the driver attempted to access a filling station through a one-way route, leading to a loss of control.
The vehicle subsequently crushed motorcycles, pedestrians, and shops along its path.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Police Command said the accident involved a DAF truck, three motorcycles, pedestrians, and several roadside shops.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, identified the deceased as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina of the Command’s Communications Department and an unidentified male pedestrian.
He added that the injured victims, including the truck driver, are receiving medical attention, while damaged property includes three motorcycles and multiple shops.
Reacting to the tragedy, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, cautioned motorists against reckless driving and urged strict adherence to traffic regulations and proper vehicle maintenance to prevent avoidable accidents.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya also expressed grief over the incident, describing it as heartbreaking. He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured quick recovery.
The governor commended the swift response of security and emergency agencies at the scene, while reiterating the need for drivers of heavy-duty vehicles to comply with road safety rules to prevent further loss of lives. (Lapai TV)
