Two people—a nine-month-old baby and an adult woman—were killed in a fatal road accident on Sunday at Uduma junction, located in the Uburu community of Ohaozara Local Government Area, Ebonyi State.
Eyewitnesses said the accident occurred when a commercial bus carrying approximately 25 passengers, including several children, lost control while speeding through a sharp bend and crashed into another vehicle. The impact caused the bus to somersault three times, leaving many passengers severely injured.
Local residents rushed the victims to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) in Uburu. However, the baby girl and the woman died at the scene and were confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital.
In a statement issued Monday, DUFUTH’s Public Relations Officer, Agwụ Nwogo, confirmed that the victims were Ebonyi State indigenes residing in Imo State. They were reportedly returning home after attending a burial ceremony in Okporike, Abakaliki, when the crash occurred.
Nwogo stated that the hospital immediately activated its emergency response protocols to treat the injured. He said 23 passengers sustained various degrees of injuries, including crushed limbs, bone fractures, deep cuts, 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,” he said.
“Four patients with minor injuries were stabilized and discharged after receiving treatment”.
An 11-month-old child who suffered a severe traumatic brain injury in the crash remains in critical condition. She is currently in the intensive care unit, where an artificial respirator is supporting her due to respiratory failure.
The hospital management has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident and assured the public that every necessary measure is being taken to provide the highest level of care for all the injured victims.
