3 ECWA Members Die, 10 Injured In Auto Crash

Three persons have been confirmed dead following a lone fatal crash involving a bus conveying members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) at Bara Village in Bauchi State.

The accident occurred on Monday at Bara, on the Bauchi-Gombe Highway when the victims were returning from an evangelism outreach in Taraba State.

According to a road traffic crash report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.15 Bara Unit Command in Bauchi State, the incident occurred at Tumfere-Lakau axis at about 11:30 a.m. It was reported at 11:40 a.m., while FRSC personnel arrived at the scene by 11:52 a.m.

The crash involved a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number KWL-03HC, belonging to ECWA and driven by Emmanuel Kwata.

The FRSC attributed the crash to a tyre burst while the vehicle was in motion.

FRSC added that a total of 13 occupants, 10 male adults and three female adults, were involved in the crash. Ten persons sustained injuries, while three victims, comprising one male and two females, lost their lives.

Rescue operations were carried out by FRSC personnel led by DRC U. Maimako under the command of ARC M.A. Babale, Unit Rescue Officer.

The injured victims were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for medical attention.

Meanwhile, the ECWA leadership has confirmed the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of three of its members following the accident involving a team returning from an EMS Saturation Outreach mission.

In a statement signed by Danjuma Dickson Auta, ECWA Public Relations Officer, the church disclosed that the bus was conveying 14 participants from Zonzon District Church Council (DCC) in Kaduna State.

It added that following the crash, six injured persons are currently receiving treatment, while five others have been treated and discharged.

The deceased were identified as Mama Deborah Bonat, a former ECWA Women Fellowship International leader; Rev. Habila Tagwai Kajan, former Zonzon DCC Secretary; and Mama Lydia John.

The church leadership said it is working with relevant authorities to facilitate the return of the deceased to their families for burial.

ECWA extended its condolences to the bereaved families and called on members to keep them in prayers during this difficult time. The church also urged congregants to remain calm, prayerful, and steadfast in faith.