Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A policewoman and a male pedestrian were confirmed dead while two others sustained injuries after a truck loaded with bags of grain suffered a brake failure and crashed into motorcycles, pedestrians and roadside shops at the New Mile 3 Market along the Gombe-Yola Federal Highway on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The accident, which occurred at approximately 11:30 a.m., threw the bustling market area into chaos and sent shockwaves through the Gombe metropolis, as emergency responders rushed to the scene to evacuate the wounded and assess the scale of the destruction.
According to a statement issued by the Gombe State Police Command, the accident involved a DAF truck with registration number XH 122 GME, three motorcycles, several pedestrians, and multiple shops. Preliminary investigations conducted by the police revealed that the truck driver was attempting to enter the AA Rano Filling Station through a one‑way access when the vehicle reportedly suffered a sudden brake failure. The driver subsequently lost control of the truck, which veered off its intended path and rammed into motorcycles, pedestrians and roadside shops along the busy highway corridor.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the Gombe State Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, identified the deceased as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Command, and an unidentified male pedestrian. "As a result of the accident, two persons, namely Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina... and one unidentified male pedestrian, regrettably lost their lives, while two other persons, including the truck driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment," Abdullahi stated. The accident also caused damage to three motorcycles and several nearby shops.
Witnesses described the horrifying moments when the truck, loaded with bags of grain and coming from the Taraba axis, barreled uncontrollably into the market area. "I heard a loud screech and then a deafening crash," said Malam Usman Abubakar, a trader who narrowly escaped the path of the vehicle. "People were running in all directions. The truck was like a wild animal that couldn't be stopped. It crushed everything in its way—motorcycles, stalls, and people." Another eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the driver had attempted to maneuver the truck away from the crowd but could not regain control after the brakes failed. "He tried to avoid a bigger tragedy, but there was nothing he could do. The truck just kept going."
The Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, who also confirmed the incident, laid the blame squarely on the truck driver’s disregard for traffic rules. "It was caused by a trailer who took fuel at Rano filling station. Instead of taking the right route, he did route violation. He lost control. Two casualty, one male and one female. The two had injuries," Kaura said. The FRSC commander further appealed to motorists to be more disciplined, adding, "Take the right lane to prevent accidents, people should obey regulations, we should organise our journey in such a way that we can take our time to comply with route regulation."
Some initial eyewitness reports had suggested that up to seven people were hit and that three persons may have died instantly, but the police and FRSC clarified that while seven persons were involved in the crash, the official casualty figure stands at two confirmed deaths and two injured persons. The discrepancy underscores the chaos that often follows such incidents and the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information.
The Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, reacted swiftly to the tragedy. He warned motorists against all forms of traffic violations and urged drivers to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations and proper maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable road accidents. CP Chuso expressed his condolences over the loss of lives and reiterated the command's commitment to enforcing road safety laws. "The commissioner warns motorists against all forms of traffic violations and urges drivers to ensure strict compliance with traffic regulations and proper maintenance of their vehicles to prevent avoidable road accidents," the police statement read.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing the crash as heartbreaking and unfortunate, especially given the loss of lives and destruction of property. The governor extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, particularly the family of Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls. He also sympathised with those injured in the accident and wished them speedy recovery. Governor Yahaya commended the swift response of security personnel, emergency responders and relevant agencies involved in rescue and assessment operations at the scene. He further called on motorists, particularly drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to strictly adhere to traffic regulations and safety measures, stressing that responsible driving remains essential to preventing avoidable tragedies on the roads.
The accident has reignited public discourse on road safety in Gombe State, a corridor that has witnessed multiple fatal accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles in recent years. The FRSC has recorded numerous incidents along the Gombe-Yola highway, many of which have been attributed to brake failure, route violations and speeding. Motorists and pedestrians have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and the installation of safety barriers in high-risk areas such as the New Mile 3 Market.
As the injured victims continue to receive medical treatment, the damaged motorcycles and shops remain as grim reminders of the suddenness with which tragedy can strike. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the police have assured the public that further updates will be communicated as necessary. For now, the families of the deceased are left to mourn and the community is left to ask: how many more lives must be lost before drivers of heavy-duty vehicles take the safety of others seriously?
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