At least two passengers, including a nine-month-old baby and a female adult, died in a road accident at the Uduma junction area of the Uburu community in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Eyewitnesses, who spoke to newsmen said the bus, which was carrying about 25 people, including children, lost control and collided with another vehicle while navigating a sharp bend at high speed.
The impact reportedly caused the bus to summersault three times, resulting in severe injuries to the passengers.
The victims were rushed to David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital, DUFUTH, Uburu, by locals within the community.
In a statement released on Monday, the Public Relations Officer DUFUTH, Agwụ Nwogo, said the victims who were indigenes of Ebonyi State residing in Imo State, were travelling back to their station after a burial ceremony at Okporike, Abakaliki, when the tragic incident occurred and were rushed to the hospital for expert management.
Nwogo explained that the hospital activated the emergency response protocols to provide care to the victims of the road accident, adding that two were confirmed dead on arrival, while 23 others sustained serious injuries ranging from crushed hand, fractures, lacerations and severe traumatic brain injuries.
“As of today, 18 patients, including the driver, are receiving treatment at DUFUTH’s Accident and Emergency department, Surgery Ward, and Intensive Care Unit.
“Four patients with minor injuries were stabilized and discharged after receiving treatment,” he said.
While expressing sadness over the incident, the hospital management assured the public that everything possible is being done to ensure the injured receive the best medical care.
