A tragic road accident along the busy Gombe-Yola Federal Highway on Wednesday claimed the lives of a female police officer and an unidentified pedestrian after a commercial truck reportedly suffered brake failure and crashed into shops, motorcycles, and passersby.

The fatal incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. at the New Mile 3 axis, a densely populated commercial area along the highway, according to the Nigeria Police Force and the Federal Road Safety Corps.

Authorities said the crash involved a DAF open-body truck that had just exited a nearby filling station before disaster struck.

Police spokesperson DSP Buhari Abdullahi said preliminary investigations showed that the driver violated traffic regulations by attempting to access the road through a one-way lane before the truck’s braking system failed completely.

“The truck driver, while attempting to enter a filling station through a one-way access, suffered brake failure, lost control of the vehicle, and rammed into motorcycles, pedestrians, and shops in the process,” Abdullahi stated.

Eyewitnesses said the speeding truck veered violently off the roadway, smashing into three motorcycles and several roadside shops before eventually coming to a stop.

Emergency responders from the police and FRSC arrived shortly after the incident to evacuate victims and secure the area.

The deceased police officer was identified as Woman Police Constable Sharifa Gaina, attached to the Communications Department of the Gombe State Police Command. She reportedly died at the scene after being struck by the out-of-control vehicle.

An unidentified male pedestrian also lost his life during the crash.

Two other victims, including the truck driver, sustained serious injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment and medical observation.

The Sector Commander of the FRSC in Gombe State, Samson Kaura, condemned the incident, describing it as a preventable tragedy caused by reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance.

He warned motorists, particularly operators of heavy-duty vehicles, against traffic violations and neglecting routine mechanical checks.

Reacting to the deaths, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, Umar Chuso, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and directed traffic enforcement officers to intensify monitoring of dangerous driving practices across the state.

“The Commissioner of Police 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 command said in a statement.

Police authorities confirmed that the truck driver has been placed under arrest and will face prosecution once discharged from hospital.

Officials from the Motor Traffic Department said the driver could be charged with reckless driving, traffic violations, and involuntary manslaughter following the conclusion of investigations.