8 BECE candidates injured in fatal crash, denied exam after late arrival

Eight candidates from Nangbagu Yapala M/A Junior High School in the Northern Region were involved in a road accident while on their way to take Tuesday’s BECE paper at the Tamale Secondary School (Tamasco) examination centre in the Sagnarigu Municipality.

The tragic incident happened approximately 5 kilometers from the examination center when the tricycle transporting the students collided with a motorbike carrying a man and his wife. The motorcyclist died on the spot, while his wife and all eight students sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Mr. Abdulai Mohammed, a supervisor accompanying the candidates, recounted that the accident occurred when the tricycle’s steering reportedly locked, causing the rider to lose control and crash into the motorbike.

Mr. Mohammed explained, “We found an alternative means to transport them to the Tamale West Hospital, but due to the ongoing strike, it took some time before two nurses and a doctor were able to attend to them.”

He mentioned that although the students had not yet been discharged, they were determined to write the exam. Unfortunately, they arrived after the first paper had already ended.

“When we arrived at the center, the first paper had already ended, and the other students were coming out. We tried to isolate our students so they could take the exam, but unfortunately, they were denied the opportunity,” Mr. Mohammed said.

He added that the students were heartbroken when informed they would not be allowed to take the paper. “Some of them began collapsing upon hearing the news. As we speak, they have been rushed back to the hospital,” he said.

The incident has raised serious concern among community members and education stakeholders, with many calling for immediate intervention to support the affected candidates.