A tragic road accident on Sunday claimed the lives of two passengers, including a nine-month-old baby girl and an adult female, at Uduma Junction in the Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, carrying approximately 25 passengers, including children, lost control while navigating a sharp bend at high speed and collided with another vehicle. The impact caused the bus to overturn three times, leaving passengers with severe injuries.
Local residents quickly transported the victims to David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu. Sadly, the baby and the adult female were pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital.
In a statement on Monday, DUFUTH Public Relations Officer Agwụ Nwogo disclosed that the victims, Ebonyi State natives residing in Imo State, were returning to their base after attending a burial ceremony in Okporike, Abakaliki, when the accident occurred.
Nwogo added that the hospital activated its emergency response protocols to treat the injured, who sustained a range of injuries, including crushed limbs, fractures, lacerations, and severe traumatic brain injuries. While 23 passengers are receiving treatment, the loss of two lives has cast a pall over the incident.
“As of today, 18 patients, including the driver, are receiving treatment at DUFUTH’s Accident and Emergency department, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit,” he said.
“Four patients with minor injuries were stabilized and discharged after receiving treatment”.
However, an 11-month-old child who sustained severe traumatic brain injury remains in critical condition and is currently admitted to the intensive care unit, where she is being supported by an artificial respirator due to failing respiration.
The hospital management has expressed sadness over the incident and assured the public that everything possible is being done to ensure the injured receive the best medical care.