Tragedy struck in Bauchi state on Saturday night as a fierce windstorm ravaged the venue of the recently concluded joint northeast trade fair, claiming the lives of five individuals and leaving three others critically injured.
The casualties were reported to have been attendees of the trade fair, held at the Ibrahim Babangida Square in the Bauchi metropolis.
Most of the victims were seeking shelter from the sudden onslaught of the windstorm when disaster struck.
Abdullahi Kobi, the Public Relations Officer of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital Bauchi, confirmed the unfortunate incident, revealing that two individuals were brought in dead, while three others arrived with severe injuries.
Despite efforts to save them, the injured victims succumbed shortly after arrival at the hospital.
Kobi further disclosed that the hospital is currently providing treatment to three patients who sustained multiple fractures, with their condition gradually improving under medical care.
The hospital awaits a comprehensive report from its medical team to ascertain the exact number of fatalities.
Mahmud Babamaji, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, corroborated the reports, confirming that the windstorm had indeed struck the trade fair venue, particularly affecting the Gombe and Yobe pavilions.
He explained that although the trade fair had officially concluded four days prior, some participants were still present at the venue when the disaster occurred.
According to Babamaji, the participants sought refuge in the pavilion as the windstorm intensified, but tragically, the structure collapsed under the force of the winds, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries.
The devastating incident has cast a pall over the community, with authorities and residents alike grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
As investigations into the cause of the windstorm continue, questions arise regarding the safety measures in place at public events and the resilience of structures to withstand natural disasters.
As the affected families mourn their loved ones and the injured victims receive medical care, the Bauchi state government has pledged to provide support and assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Meanwhile, calls for improved disaster preparedness and mitigation measures echo across the state, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding lives and property in the face of natural calamities.