A collision involving a water tanker and a tricycle carrying schoolchildren in Gombe on Tuesday has left conflicting official accounts of the number killed.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said five children from one family died, in a statement issued by his press affairs director, Ismaila Uba Misilli. He also referred to three injured children.
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) sector commander, Samson Kaura, gave Punch a toll of four dead and two injured. His casualty breakdown was also inconsistent, listing three injured people despite that total.
The crash occurred near an academy junction behind APC Square in the state capital. The children were travelling to school when the collision happened.
Daily Trust’s account said the tanker hit the tricycle. Kaura told Punch that witnesses described the tricycle hitting the tanker from behind.
Kaura said FRSC personnel did not carry out the initial rescue because the report reached them late. Officers subsequently visited the scene and hospital to check the casualties.
The governor expressed condolences to the family and schools. The precise death and injury tolls, and the sequence of the collision, remain unresolved in the available official accounts.
Sources: Daily Trust; Punch
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