By Erewunmi Peace

At least seven journalists have been confirmed dead, while four others sustained injuries, following a road accident involving a bus conveying members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) along the Gombe–Yola highway in Gombe State.

The accident, which occurred on Monday, was confirmed by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). According to the agency, the journalists were travelling in an NUJ bus when the vehicle was involved in a fatal crash near Kumo, Akko Local Government Area.

FRSC officials said preliminary findings suggest that a tyre burst caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to the crash.

Emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene to rescue victims.

The injured journalists were taken to nearby hospitals for medical treatment, while the remains of the deceased were deposited at a morgue.

The victims were reported to be returning from an official engagement when the incident occurred. The tragedy has sparked mourning within the Nigerian media community.

Reacting to the incident, colleagues, media organisations, and public officials have expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and called for improved road safety measures.

The FRSC has urged motorists to regularly check their vehicles and adhere strictly to road safety regulations to prevent similar accidents.