Auto crash claims 18 in Bauchi

The people of Jimin village in Darazo local government area, Bauchi state were thrown into mourning following the death of 18 members of the community who lost their lives in a car accident on their way to market in Dukku, Gombe state. The accident occurred at Yautare, a town located along Darazo-Dukku road while the […]

The people of Jimin village in Darazo local government area, Bauchi
state were thrown into mourning following the death of 18 members of
the community who lost their lives in a car accident on their way to
market in Dukku, Gombe state.

The accident occurred at Yautare, a town located along Darazo-Dukku
road while the villagers, 20 of them travelling to the market in a
pick up truck.

Confirming the incident, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC)’s
Head of Operations Bauchi State command, Mr Paul Gua said the accident
occurred when the vehicle with registration number, DRZ 716 DA
carrying 20 persons had a burst tyre.

“The vehicle lost control after its tyre bursts. It went into the bush
hitting trees and other objects, leading to the death of the people
inside the vehicle and injuring others,” he said.

Gua said 16 of the victims died on the spot, two died on the way to
hospital while two persons were currently receiving treatment at a
hospital in Azare town.

The deceased have since been buried at the Darazo Cemetery in
accordance with Islamic injunctions.

Speaking to our reporter on telephone‎, the Village Head of Jimin,
Alhaji Mu’azu Muhammad said that out of the 18 victims, only two were
not married, saying the married victims had left behind over 100
family members including women and children.

Darazo local government Caretaker Committee Chairman, Alhaji Ahmad
Muhammad said when he was informed about the accident, saying “I
quickly visited the hospital to see the victims. One of the three
survivors died in the hospital while 17 died at the scene ‎of the
accident. I made sure that the victims were attended to and we begin
the preparations for the burial of the dead victims,” he said.

Governor Mohammed Abubakar, who was away when the accident occurred,
sent a delegation to the village to condole the deceased relatives and
people of the village.

The delegation which comprised of commissioners, special advisers and
others was led by his Deputy, Architect Audu Sule Katagum.

Katagum, in a statement, expressed his sadness over the incident and
donated foodstuffs to the families of the victims.

The items donated include 25 bags of Rice, 25 bags of Maize, 25
Cartons of Spaghetti, 25 Cartons of Macaroni, 25 Jerrycans of Palm
oil, 25 jerrycans of Groundnut Oil and one million naira cash.