A tragic accident on Sunday at Uduma junction in the Uburu community, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, claimed the lives of a nine-month-old baby and a female adult, leaving 23 others injured.
Eyewitnesses reported that the bus, carrying about 25 passengers including children, lost control while speeding around a sharp bend and collided with another vehicle.
The impact caused the bus to somersault three times, resulting in multiple injuries.
Residents of the area quickly responded, rushing the victims to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH), Uburu.
Both the infant and the adult woman were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.
In a statement released Monday, DUFUTH Public Relations Officer, Agwụ Nwogo, disclosed that the victims were Ebonyi indigenes residing in Imo State.
They were returning to their base after attending a burial in Okporike, Abakaliki, when the crash occurred.
Nwogo stated that the hospital promptly activated its emergency response system to manage the situation.
“Two were confirmed dead on arrival, while 23 others sustained serious injuries, ranging from crushed hand injuries, fractures, lacerations and severe traumatic brain injuries,” he said.
He added that “as of today, 18 patients, including the driver, are receiving treatment at DUFUTH’s Accident and Emergency department, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit.”
According to him, “Four patients with minor injuries were stabilized and discharged after receiving treatment.”
However, he noted that an 11-month-old child remains in critical condition in the Intensive Care Unit due to severe traumatic brain injury.
The child is currently on artificial respiration as her condition remains life-threatening.
The hospital expressed deep sorrow over the loss and assured the public that the medical team is doing all within its power to provide optimal care for the injured.
