Seven-month-old foetus survives as mother dies in road accident

Kocholia sub-county hospital gate in Teso North Constituency /IMAGE/HILTON OTENYO 

Residents of Kocholia in Teso North sub-county were left in utter shock after a seven-months unborn baby survived a tragic accident in which its mother died.

The child, now referred to as baby Sharon, was found on the ground at the scene of the Sunday night accident still alive.

Baby Sharon’s story has been described by many as extraordinary and defying all odds.

Her mother, who was seven months pregnant and expected to deliver in July this year, died on the spot after she was hit by a long-distance truck on Sunday night near a bridge as she walked towards Kocholia.

According to eyewitnesses, the truck was overtaking another vehicle when it knocked the woman down and sped off.

The impact of the crash reportedly ruptured the mother’s womb, throwing out the unborn child on the road alive.

Residents and police officers who responded to the distress call found the baby alive despite the harsh circumstances that ushered her onto the earth.

The infant, now referred to as Baby Sharon, was rushed to Kocholia Sub-County Hospital for emergency treatment.

A social worker at the hospital, Oscar Omanyala, said Baby Sharon suffered a broken arm during the impact.

He added that the child developed anaemia and required urgent specialised care, leading to her transfer to Busia County Referral Hospital on Wednesday afternoon for a blood transfusion and admission to the Newborn Unit (NBU).

Omanyala appealed to well-wishers to support the baby with clothing, baby supplies, and other necessities as she continues receiving treatment.

The identity and nationality of the deceased woman remain unknown.

However, medical documents found in her possession indicated she could have been a resident of Malaba in either Kenya or Uganda.

Teso North Sub-County Police Commander Charles Chepkong'a confirmed the incident, saying investigations have been launched to trace the driver, who fled after the accident.

He appealed to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident to volunteer information that could help police arrest the runaway driver.