Multiple accidents in Gombe: 14 killed, many injured; Journalist escapes death

No fewer than fourteen persons were said to have died during multiple motor accidents on Federal Highways within Gombe and Bauchi states Monday and Tuesday.

Speaking on the incidents to newsmen Tuesday, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. David Mendie did not comment on the road crash on Gombe-Bauchi road which he said was out of his jurisdiction.

He however warned motorists against over speeding which he said was largely the cause of the accident that occurred on Gombe-Kumo road on Sunday where five persons died instantly after a Toyota saloon car veered off the road into the bush. Only two persons survived the accident but with very serious injuries.

He said the other accident which occurred the next day (Monday) on the same road involved a Vectra saloon car which ran into an on-coming Mack brand of trailer while trying to overtake. All the four persons in car died instantly.

On the accident that occurred in Bara, on Gombe-Bauchi road on Monday involving a Toyota Homer bus belonging to Plateau Express Service, (Plateau Riders) and a Sharon mini bus, the Sector Commander refused to comment saying it is under Bauchi sector command.

However, a journalist, Chuwang Dung, of the Leadership newspaper who survived the accident that claimed about four persons said the accident occurred when the Toyota bus he was in tried to avoid a stray animal and then collided with the Sharon mini bus. Both drivers died instantly with two others later.

The Gombe Sector Commander of the FRSC who also warned commercial motorists to install the Speed Limiter said it remains key for safety against road crashes on our roads.

He said no driver will be spared from the wrath of the law for failing to install the speed limiter as soon as the deadline is over.