Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
The death toll in the Wednesday accident involving some prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has risen to four.
The corps members were heading to the NYSC orientation camp for their three weeks orientation course when the 14-seater bus they were in rammed into a parked truck.
They are part of the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 corps members.posted to serve in the state and were heading to the MacGregor College Permanent Orientation camp in Afikpo Local Government Area.
The accident which involved an Enugu North Mass Transit bus they boarded ran under a stationary truck within the Okposi axis in Ohaozara LGA, resulting in the loss of lives and injuries.
One female corps member was said to have died at the spot while other injured passengers were rushed to the David Umahi University Teaching Hospital Uburu for treatment.
A statement from the Hospital published on its social media handles said the death toll had risen to four.
The survivors are now recuperating, and hospital officials are optimistic about their chances of making a full recovery.
The statent said the Hospital’s prompt response in providing critical care to the accident victims was critical in stabilising them.
“The feat was made possible by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Uzoma Agwu, who physically mobilised all clinical staff to attend to the victims, ensuring the availability of necessary drugs and consumables.”
According to the statement signed by the spokesperson of the Hospital, Mr. Agwu Nwogo, thirteen victims were rushed to the hospital around 3 pm, thanks to the prompt response of military personnel, officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, and other good Samaritans.
“Upon arrival, two victims succumbed to their injuries, two were transferred to the surgical ward, while the others were admitted to the accident and emergency ward.
“Notably, one corps member escaped without injuries, while the driver sustained severe cervical injuries.”
The statement put the total number of deaths from the accident at four of which two are corps members.
“The survivors are now recuperating, and hospital officials are optimistic about their chances of making a full recovery,” the statement said.
NYSC, HMOs to foot bill
The statement said Mrs. Olainde Foluke, the NYSC State Coordinator, earlier on Thursday led a team to the Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH, in company of the camp commandant, to ascertain the condition of those hospitalised and to appreciate the hospital medical team.
During a similar interaction involving the C-MAC Dr. Darlington-Peter Ugoji, the NYSC Coordinator and the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA) Heads in DUFUTH, concerns were raised about the victims’ medical bills.
However, it was ascertained that the Corps Members automatically qualify for National Health Insurance scheme benefits upon receiving their call-up letters.
Mrs. Eucharia Eze of the NHIA section also promised to liaise with the HMO to cover the victim’s medical expenses, with the NYSC covering 50% of CT scan costs and the Health Maintenance Organisations (HMOs) covering the remaining 50%.
