Police officer killed as truck rams into shops in Gombe

A female police officer and another person have died after a truck crashed into shops at New Mile 3 Market along the Gombe–Yola highway on Wednesday.

The truck, which was carrying bags of grain, reportedly lost control after suffering brake failure and slammed into roadside shops. Two other people, including the driver, were injured in the accident.

Witnesses said the driver was coming from the Taraba area when the truck developed brake failure before crashing into traders, passersby and nearby shops.

The Gombe State Police Command confirmed that the accident involved a DAF truck with registration number XH 122 GME, three motorcycles, pedestrians and several shops.

Police spokesperson Buhari Abdullahi said early investigations showed that the driver was attempting to enter a filling station through a one-way route when the brakes failed.

He said, “As a result of the accident, two persons, namely Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Command, and one unidentified male pedestrian, regrettably lost their lives, while two other persons, including the truck driver, sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The accident also caused damage to three motorcycles and some nearby shops.”

Abdullahi added that the Commissioner of Police, Umar Ahmed Chuso, had warned motorists against violating traffic rules and advised drivers to ensure proper maintenance of their vehicles in order to avoid preventable accidents.

Meanwhile, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as heartbreaking and unfortunate, given the loss of lives and destruction caused by the crash.

The governor expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He also commended security personnel and emergency responders for their swift arrival at the scene.

Yahaya further urged motorists, especially drivers of heavy-duty vehicles, to obey traffic regulations and safety measures, stressing that careful driving remains essential in preventing avoidable road accidents.