At least five traders have been killed by a rainstorm at the just concluded 15th Joint North East Trade Fair organised by the North East Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mine and Agriculture and supported by the six states in the region.
Daily Trust gathered that the heavy rain accompanied by strong winds started around 8pm on Saturday and wreaked havoc on the pavilions, killing two people on the spot.
It was learnt that five others sustained varying degrees of injury including multiple fractures and were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital.
Hospital sources told Daily Trust that five people died and three others were receiving treatment.
“We received a number of casualties from the scene of the incident, unfortunately two were brought in dead and three have severe injuries from the head to the abdomen and they died shortly after arrival.
“Currently we have three patients with multiple fractures who are receiving treatment and are gradually improving,” one of the sources said.
The Bauchi State Police Command through its Spokesperson, SP Ahmed Wakil, confirmed the incident.
“On the evening of June 1st, 2024, Bauchi Metropolis experienced a severe rainstorm accompanied by strong winds. The IBB Square, which hosts the just concluded North East Trade Fair, was significantly affected,” he said.
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Wakil said that the storm caused damage to the Gombe and Yobe states pavilions and several business tents within the trade fair complex.
Following the incident, emergency response teams, led by the police and other security agencies initiated search and rescue operation.
“Tragically, five individuals were found under the fallen structures and were promptly taken to the hospital. Regrettably, four individuals, including Abdullahi Abubakar 38 years of Yakubu wanka Ahmed Alfa, Malam Musa, and an unidentified person believed to be from Gombe, lost their lives in the incident,” he added.
He however, noted that one individual, Fatima Isa, was receiving medical treatment and showing positive signs of recovery.
“The authorities have taken the necessary steps, including depositing the deceased individuals at the mortuary. Additionally, efforts are underway to assess the extent of property damage caused by the storm.
“To ensure public safety, a police presence is being maintained at the square to prevent criminal activities in the wake of this unfortunate event,” he added.
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