A tragic accident on Easter Monday has claimed the lives of five people and left 13 others injured in Gombe State.
The crash, involving a truck, occurred on the Billiri-Gombe Road at Tashan Gona in Billiri Local Government Area at around 7:20 am.
The Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) confirmed the incident, with Gombe FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Samson Kaura, reporting that 18 individuals were involved in the crash. Among them, two male adults and three female adults were killed, while the injured, including 10 female adults and three male adults, sustained fractures and open wounds.
The bodies of the deceased were transported to Billiri General Hospital, while the injured victims were rushed to various medical facilities, including the General Hospital in Amana, Lafiya Clinic in Billiri, and Gombe Specialist Hospital.
The cause of the crash has been attributed to speed violations. Mr. Kaura urged motorists to adhere to the recommended 30 km/h speed limit in built-up areas to prevent accidents and minimize casualties.
He also confirmed that the truck driver has been apprehended by police for prosecution.
In a statement, Gombe State Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the crash and added that it created significant tension in Billiri.
He added that the situation, however, was swiftly brought under control by security personnel.
Abdullahi stated that the truck, which was reportedly loaded with grains, struck a group of people returning from Easter prayers.
In the aftermath of the crash, residents of Billiri set the truck on fire, and there were attempts to harm the driver, but the police quickly intervened, ensuring the driver's safety.
“Everything is calm now, and traffic on the route has resumed,”; Abdullahi assured, urging residents not to panic.
