Seven journalists die in Gombe auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has confirmed that seven journalists in Gombe State died and four others were injured in a lone auto crash involving a Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) bus.

The accident happened on Monday evening as the group was returning from a wedding ceremony in the Gombe South Senatorial District.

The journalists had travelled to celebrate with a colleague from the Nigerian Television Authority.

Speaking in a telephone interview, the Gombe State Sector Commander of the FRSC, Samson Kaura, said 11 people were in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

“From the information available to us, 11 people were involved.

“Sadly, seven lost their lives, while four others sustained injuries,” he said.

Kaura explained that preliminary investigations suggest the crash was a lone accident, with a possible tyre burst suspected as the cause.

“It appears to be a lone accident.

“Investigations are ongoing, but we suspect a tyre burst may have occurred, after which the driver may have applied the brakes suddenly,” he noted.

He added that FRSC rescue teams responded immediately and continued operations at the scene while assessments were still being carried out.

“The injured have been taken to nearby health facilities for treatment, and a detailed report will be released once investigations are concluded,” Kaura said.