Death Toll in Ebonyi Accident Involving Corps Members Rises to 3

The death toll from the tragic accident involving prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Ebonyi State has risen to three. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, involved an Enugu North Mass Transit bus carrying the corps members to their orientation camp. The bus collided with a stationary truck along the Okposi axis in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, resulting in fatalities and several injuries.

One female corps member died on the spot, and others were rushed to the David Umahi Federal University Teaching Hospital (DUFUTH) in Uburu for medical care. However, a statement released by the hospital on Friday confirmed that the death toll had increased by two, bringing the total number of fatalities to three, two of whom were prospective corps members.

The hospital, in its statement, credited the prompt response of its medical team for stabilizing the victims. “The DUFUTH’s prompt response in providing critical care to the accident victims was critical in stabilizing them. This was made possible by the Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Professor Uzoma Agwu, who personally mobilized all clinical staff and ensured the availability of necessary drugs and consumables,” the statement read.

According to the hospital’s spokesperson, Mr. Agwu Nwogo, 13 victims were brought in around 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, with the help of military personnel, officials from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and other good Samaritans. “Upon arrival, two victims succumbed to their injuries, two were transferred to the surgical ward, while 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 added.

The hospital confirmed that, in total, three individuals have died from the crash, including two prospective corps members. The survivors are currently receiving treatment, and hospital officials are hopeful they will recover fully.

In a related development, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs. Olaide Foluke, visited the Chief Medical Director of DUFUTH on Thursday to check on the condition of the hospitalized victims and to express gratitude to the hospital staff. She was accompanied by the camp commandant and other officials.

During a meeting with Dr. Darlington-Peter Ugoji, the Chief Medical and Administrative Coordinator (C-MAC) of DUFUTH, as well as representatives from the National Health Insurance Agency (NHIA), discussions were held regarding the victims’ medical bills. It was confirmed that the prospective corps members automatically qualify for National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) benefits once they receive their call-up letters.

Mrs. Eucharia Eze, of the NHIA, assured that arrangements would be made with the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) to cover the victims’ medical expenses. The NYSC also committed to covering 50% of the costs for CT scans, with the remaining 50% to be covered by the HMO.

The victims were among the 2024 Batch C Stream 2 corps members, who were on their way to the MacGregor College Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo, Ebonyi State, for their three-week orientation course when the fatal accident occurred.