Three persons have been confirmed dead in a lone crash involving a bus conveying members of the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Taraba State.
The accident occurred on Monday at Bara, along the Bauchi–Gombe Federal Highway, as the victims were returning from an evangelism outreach.
According to a road traffic report by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), RS12.15 Bara Unit Command, the crash happened at Tumfere-Lakau at about 11:30 a.m. and was reported at 11:40 a.m., while FRSC personnel arrived at the scene at 11:52 a.m.
The lone vehicle, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number KWL-03HC, belongs to ECWA and was driven by Emmanuel Kwata.
The FRSC report attributed the crash to a tyre burst while the vehicle was in motion.
A total of 13 occupants were involved, comprising 10 male adults and three female adults.
Ten persons sustained injuries, nine male adults and one female adult while three victims, including one male and two female adults, lost their lives.
The injured victims were rescued by an FRSC team led by DRC U. Maimako under the command of ARC M.A. Babale and were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, for treatment.
Meanwhile, the ECWA leadership confirmed the incident, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of its members following the fatal crash involving a team returning from an EMS Saturation Outreach mission.
According to the church, the bus was conveying participants from Zonzon DCC in Kaduna State who were returning from Taraba State when the accident occurred near the Lariski area of Bauchi State.
The church identified the deceased as Mama Deborah Bonat, a former ECWA Women Fellowship International leader; Rev. Habila Tagwai Kajan, former Zonzon DCC Secretary; and Mama Lydia John.
It added that six persons are currently receiving medical treatment, while five others have been discharged in stable condition.
The ECWA leadership said it is working with relevant authorities to ensure the safe return of the deceased to their families for burial. It also extended condolences to the bereaved families and urged members to uphold them in prayers during this difficult time.
The statement, e-signed by the ECWA Public Relations Officer, Danjuma Dickson Auta, further called on members to remain calm, prayerful, and steadfast in faith.