Panic in Lira as truck driver collapses

LIRA  | HEALTH

Panic is spreading in Lira town after a driver of a truck with Kenyan registration plates collapsed in his vehicle that has been parked at the roadside since Saturday evening. Moreover, efforts to have him evacuated to hospital by local leaders have been futile. 

Residents, who suspect the drive could have the deadly Corona Virus, say the man came out of the vehicle and vomited before climbing back into hist truck. They add that since yesterday (Saturday August 8, 2020), he has been in the vehicle unable to speak. 

The residents claim to have informed both security and health officials to intervene, but no action has been taken yet.

"There is serious concern here. The man seems to be very sick," a concerned citizen. 

The truck is parked at Angwetangwet, outside Lira city centre.

Jimmy Mao, Chairperson LC1 Angwetangwet B, Angwetangwet parish in Lira says he has informed the authorities since last evening, but no action is being taken and his residents are now scared. 

Police from Angwetangwet is deployed to guard the scene. 

The RDC, Milton Odongo, says he is struggling to have the sick man removed and taken to hospital but the vehicle allocated to the surveillance team has no driver. Odongo adds that the director of Lira Regional Referal Hospital, Dr. Stephen Obbo, has given an ambulance and there are  arrangement to pick the patient this evening (Sunday).  

"The DHOs office is handling, together with my team," Obbo, who said he wais driving to Kampala, stated in a text message.