No fewer than nine people lost their lives in a road accident involving a trailer and a commercial bus along the Kaltungo–Cham Road in Kaluwa community, Kaltungo Local Government Area of Gombe State.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) confirmed the incident on Monday.
The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, said 18 persons were involved in the crash, with five sustaining injuries while four others escaped unhurt.
“The victims were rushed to the General Hospital in Kaltungo for treatment, while the bodies of the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary,” Kaura said.
According to him, preliminary investigations revealed that the crash was caused by excessive speed and brake failure, which led to loss of control.
Kaura said the accident occurred at about 8:33 a.m. on Monday and involved a speeding trailer and a Sharon bus.
“The trailer was speeding on a sloping road and, as a result, lost control and hit the Sharon bus from behind, which caused the bus to somersault,” he explained.
The FRSC commander said the corps had repeatedly warned motorists against excessive speed, particularly on roads with difficult terrain.
“We have been advising motorists to avoid excessive speed, especially given the nature of the road, which is sloping. Drivers must travel at a controllable speed to prevent such crashes and the loss of lives and property,” he said.
Kaura also urged motorists to ensure proper vehicle inspection before embarking on journeys, especially during the yuletide season, when road traffic increases.
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