Abakaliki, Nigeria – Prof. Robinson Onoh, Chief Medical Director (CMD) of Alex Ekwueme Federal Teaching Hospital (AE-FETHA), Abakaliki, says the recent gas explosion in Ebonyi has claimed two lives.
The incident occurred in Orokeonuoha community, Ebonyi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Oct. 17 at a catering school, known as “Good Shepherd Catering School.”
No fewer than 10 girls undergoing training in the school were initially hospitalised at the AE-FETHA, Onoh said on Sunday, adding that two of the 10 burnt students had died from injuries sustained in the gas explosion.
The chief medical director said that medical personnel were on ground to ensure no death was recorded again.
“Both nurses, plastic surgeons, anesthetists, internal medicine and respiratory team and management are on ground to do the needful.
“We lost two already; one on arrival and yesterday, Oct. 19, we lost another, making it two deaths” he said.
Onoh revealed that inhalation and saver dressing foam were the major challenges.
“Inhalation is as a result of accumulation of smoke from burns; it is part of the burns affecting their breathing; we have been able to separate them.
“The saver dressing foam reduces frequency of dressing and the healing process is faster.
“Burns can be managed but once there is an inhalational component, it becomes a problem.
“Saver dressing foam is quite expensive; it is not available here; we had to get this from Enugu State.
“We hope to get more; we do not want to use a particular one which could cause infection, pains and affect healing.
“We need help because it is demanding on the hospital, using internal infusion and drugs.”
The medical expert called on the state governor, Francis Nwifuru, to assist the hospital to ensure the medical care of patients.
“We are also calling for support from the Wife of the governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, medical organisations and philanthropists to help,” he said.
Onoh further applauded the management, Reverend sisters and Priests in the catering school for their level of concern in providing care.
Mr Augustine Nwokoku, a victim’s father and staff of the state House of Assembly, appreciated the medical team and management of the school on team work to ensure that the hospitalised students were taken care of.
