25 die, 10 injured In Bauchi auto rash

• Some killed while taking shelter under tree due to hot weather

The Sector Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Bauchi State, Yusuf Abdullah, yesterday, confirmed that 25 people were killed in a fatal crash that occurred on Thursday, while 10 others were injured.

Abdullahi said the incident occurred at Udubo village, along Hadeja-Potiskum Road in Gamawa Local Council of Bauchi State at about 4.30p.m.

According to him, 35 persons, comprising 19 male adults, 11 female adults, two male children and three female children, were involved in the unfortunate incident.

He said that the driver of the Hummer Bus lost control and rammed into 11 persons, who were taking shelter under a tree close to a car wash.

“The lone crash occurred at Udubo, along Hadeja-Potiskum route in Gamawa Local Coucil of Bauchi State, involving an ash colour commercial Toyota Hummer Bus with Registration Number: JMA 59XA.
“The accident was caused by overloading, speed violation, which led to a tyre burst, and lost of control. The driver rammed into some persons that were taking shelter under a tree because of the hot weather. That was how some of them were killed.

“Twenty-four persons were inside the bus while the remaining 11 people were taking shelter under the tree, close to a car wash, as stated by men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“Immediately we got the information, our men rushed to the scene for a rescue operation and evacuated the victims to the Federal Medical Centre, Azare, for treatment and confirmation.

“It was there at the hospital that a medical doctor confirmed 25 persons, nine male adults, 11 female adults, two male children and three female children dead. Ten others sustained various degrees of bruise,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that their bodies were deposited at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare, where they would be released for burial, while the injured are being treated.