Misplacement Of Priorities In Critical Times - A First Hand Account

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I recall witnessing a terrible accident some years ago on my way to church. It was not a pleasant experience.

I walked out of a street that leads to the major highway in my neighbourhood when the unexpected event happened. A truck descending from the overhead bridge that links to the highway lost control and began to hit other vehicles on its way. The driver was trying to gain control of the truck as it moved erratically on the highway. The truck unfortunately hit a pedestrian. His attempts were unsuccessful.

I ran to the scene of the accident as I was shocked by what I had just witnessed. The pedestrian, the victim of the accident, was a woman who was on her way home with her family from church. She was walking by the side of the highway carrying her baby on her back and holding her older child by the hand when the truck unexpectedly ran her over from behind. Her husband who was beside her quickly pulled their child away from her when the truck made impact.

I attribute his reaction to reflex because he and his wife did know that the truck was heading towards their direction. It was behind them. The truck continued moving forward after running the victim over. She and her baby were beneath the truck and being pulled along as it moved forward in an erratic manner. There was a trail of blood and scratches on the road as the truck moved. It finally stopped after hitting a vehicle that was parked by the side of the highway.

The driver hurriedly got out of the truck and ran to the other side of the highway in a bid to escape. Witnesses of the accident and passers-by chased and caught him. The accident that occurred had already gotten them furious and they became more furious when the driver tried to run away.

The husband of the victim of the accident was perplexed about what had happened. He was chatting with his wife before the truck ran her over. He was already in tears and feeling restless. Witnesses and people at the scene of the accident began to confront and assault the driver. I was unhappy with this action as the victim was still trapped beneath the truck and her body still had pulse movements, an indication that she is still alive. I called the attention of others to this observation and suggested we try to get the victim out of that position. Unfortunately, my suggestion was not taken. They would rather assault the driver and record the events of the accident on their phones than try to rescue the victim. 'Saving the victim should be the priority' I said to myself. I thought of what I could do and remembered that the state government has a hotline for emergencies and accidents. I called the hotline but was unable to get access to a call agent. I decided to get help from an Army Barracks that was across the highway. I got help from the soldiers from the barracks who rushed down to the scene of the accident. I will not disclose what happened afterwards as the accident brings back unpleasant memories.

I will like to use this medium to ask us as people to look out for one another. We should act appropriately in times of unfortunate occurrences and do our best in such moments.

Have a great day folks.
Thanks for reading.


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2 comments
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This was very hard to read.. Maybe because I understood what you wrote so well.

Normally, I would hope she survived the accident but a huge part of me is telling me that didn't happen.

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Phew.... Glad I found someone that could relate.

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