Some of the victims affected by Tuesday’s tragic explosion that occurred in the Bodija area of Ibadan have recalled their ordeals, describing it as surreal and traumatic.

The explosion occurred at 7.30 p.m. at Dejo Oyelese Street in Old Bodija in Ibadan, with dozens of residents wounded. The government said only two people died in the explosion.

Some victims narrated their experiences in separate interviews on Wednesday at the University College Hospital (UCH) emergency unit.

Idowu Fagbemi, 15, said, “I was in the house when we heard something like a bomb blast, so I started running and later found myself in the hospital this morning.”

His mother, Mrs Fagbemi, said her son sustained an injury on the head while running for his life, but his father had not been found.

“We thank God for Idowu’s life while we trust Him to also allow us to see his father alive,” she said.

Another woman, who gave her first name as Florence, said her mother was a victim and was presently receiving treatment at the emergency unit.

“I don’t just have the strength to talk now because we have been at the emergency unit since yesterday night. Our mummy is still alive and we pray that God heals her speedily,” she said.

Another relative at the hospital, who did not give his name, said he was frustrated as his brother, who was in the house where the explosion occurred, was yet to be found.

“I don’t just know what to do now because we don’t even know whether he is alive or dead,” he said.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokeswoman Funmi Adetuyibi, UCH said all medical personnel have been placed on alert to provide healthcare support for victims of the explosion.

Ms Adetuyibi said the hospital has mobilised its resources to meet the urgent healthcare needs of the victims of the unfortunate incident.

The UCH official stated, “A trauma response team has been activated to implement comprehensive measures to ensure that every patient receives prompt and compassionate care. Medical staff, including trauma surgeons, emergency room physicians, nurses, and other personnel, have been working around the clock to stabilise and treat the injured.

“As part of its commitment to transparency, the University College Hospital is continuously communicating with relevant authorities and providing regular updates to the public.”

Ms Adetuyibi added, “The hospital remains focused on delivering high-quality medical care to those affected by this tragic event.”

She revealed that one person was brought in dead.

“Unfortunately, too, the hospital had a lot of its facilities damaged by the effects of the blast,” said Ms Adetuyibi, including the Medical Museum, School of Nursing, Molecular Laboratory, Bulk Store, Ogunlesi Hall, etc

(NAN)