One passenger was on Sunday evening confirmed death and twenty others escaped in a road accident in Anambra.
According to the Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry of Health, Mr Chukwudi Nwuba, who disclosed this in a statement in Awka, on Monday, the victims were rescued following the swift response from the State Emergency Ambulance Service System 112.
He said the accident that involved a Diana Truck and a commercial bus occurred at about 8 pm on Sunday, Dec. 10/2023 at Umuokpu Timber Market Enugu/Onitsha Expressway Awka.
He said that the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike who was at the scene of the accident commended the drivers of the Ambulances for their timely arrival at the scene noting that if not for them many of the accident victims would have died before reaching the hospital.
“Dr Obidike described the fatal accident as unfortunate and informed the public that those involved are currently receiving treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka and Eldorado Hospital.
The commissioner commended the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) individuals who assisted during the accident while urging the public to always drive with caution and avoid unnecessary overtaking.
“I must appreciate our medical personnel from COOUTH, Regina Caeli and Eldorado hospitals for their professionalism in treating the accident victims.
“You could see that many of them sustained various degrees of injury and I am satisfied the doctors were on ground to treat them and it is unfortunate that the driver of the Dina truck didn’t make it to the hospital because of the head-on collision with the commercial bus.
“We must thank the executive governor of our beloved State, Prof. Charles Soludo for giving Ndi Anambra the Ambulance Service System that has continued to save lives across the state.
“The public should feel free to call the toll-free line 112 whenever there is an emergency across the state and an ambulance respond to the person.’’
He noted that Anambra is one of the first in Nigeria that has a functional Ambulance Service System which was made possible by the governor.
The State Coordinator of the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, Dr Chukwulobelu Ugochukwu, in his reaction, said that the recent successful response to the accident scene not only underscores the state’s commitment to robust emergency medical infrastructure but also highlights the crucial role played by the Dispatchers.
According to him, the Commissioner for Health’s commendation of the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service System Coordinator emphasizes the significance of effective coordination in managing emergency situations in the State.
Dr Ugochukwu who played a crucial role in mobilising all ambulance service providers reflects the meticulous planning and execution that contributed to the swift and organized response witnessed at the accident scene.
“The acknowledgment of the dispatchers further underscores the importance of their role in facilitating communication and coordination during critical moments.
“Their ability to efficiently manage and direct resources played a vital part in ensuring that ambulances reached the scene promptly thereby contributing to the overall success of the emergency response.
“Dr Obidike’s acknowledgment of the Executive Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s visionary leadership in implementing the Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Service System reaffirms the state’s dedication to proactive healthcare solutions.
“Anambra’s success story not only sets a standard for other states but also emphasises the indispensable roles of coordination and communication in saving lives during emergencies,’’ he added.
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