The incident happened on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, along the Gombe–Yola Federal Highway when a DAF truck loaded with bags of grain lost control and veered into a cluster of shops on the highway corridor.
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle was coming from the Taraba State axis when it reportedly developed brake failure. The driver was said to be attempting to access a filling station via a restricted entry point when the truck became uncontrollable.
The vehicle struck motorcycles, pedestrians, and several shops, causing widespread damage at the market area.
The Gombe State Police Command confirmed that two people died in the crash: Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Command’s Communications Department, and an unidentified male pedestrian. Two others, including the truck driver, were injured and are receiving treatment.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, preliminary findings indicate brake failure as the likely cause, combined with a traffic violation involving one-way access into a filling station.
The crash also damaged three motorcycles and multiple shop structures within the market area.
Commissioner of Police Umar Ahmed Chuso urged motorists to comply with traffic rules and ensure proper maintenance of vehicles, particularly heavy-duty trucks, to reduce avoidable road incidents.
In response, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya described the incident as distressing and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He also wished the injured a full recovery and commended emergency responders for their quick intervention at the scene.
He added that the state government would continue supporting road safety efforts and called for stricter adherence to traffic regulations, especially by drivers of articulated vehicles.
