One dead, 16 injured in Yobe road crash
One person has been confirmed dead while 16 others sustained injuries in a road traffic accident at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, Yobe State. The accident occurred on Thursday during a rally organised to welcome Governor Mai Mala Buni and the All Progressives Congress (APC) preferred governorship aspirant, Baba Malam Wali, after their […]
One person has been confirmed dead while 16 others sustained injuries in a road traffic accident at the Muhammadu Buhari International Cargo Airport, Damaturu, Yobe State.
The accident occurred on Thursday during a rally organised to welcome Governor Mai Mala Buni and the All Progressives Congress (APC) preferred governorship aspirant, Baba Malam Wali, after their successful screening in Abuja.
Daily Trust gathered that thousands of APC supporters from the 17 local government areas of the state had converged at the airport for a grand reception and solidarity rally organised by the Coalition of Yobe Political Associations (COYAPO).
Eyewitnesses said the crash happened around 6:30pm when the governor and members of his entourage arrived at the airport.
The accident was reportedly caused by overspeeding and heavy traffic congestion within the airport premises.
The Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Service (YEMABUS) emergency response team arrived at the scene shortly after the incident, secured the area, administered first aid and evacuated the victims.
One person was confirmed dead at the scene, while the 16 injured victims were taken to the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital for treatment.
The Executive Secretary of YEMABUS, Dr Mohammed Lawan Lamusawa, confirmed the incident, saying the victims were evacuated to the hospital after receiving first aid.
He attributed the accident to reckless driving, excessive speed and congestion around the airport.
Lamusawa urged motorists to obey traffic regulations to avoid preventable accidents.
He also condoled with the family of the deceased and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
Governor Buni later visited the victims at the hospital, where he sympathised with the family of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of those receiving treatment.
The governor was accompanied by the Acting Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mohammed Goje, and other top government officials.