DEAD GIRL SAVES BOY, 7
Father says son Edward was trapped underneath Makereta unaware that she was dead. She acted as a shield from falling debris in bus crash
Seven-year-old Edward George was trapped underneath Makereta Mataika, unaware that she was dead. He was perhaps the luckiest of the children who survived the bus crash at Lakena Hill on Wednesday afternoon. Makereta acted as a shield from falling debris during the crash, which saved his life.
Edward’s father, Navin Dutt, yesterday recounted the moments after the crash, as told to him by his brother, Ashneel Dutt. Ashneel was among people who helped
pull Edward from the wreckage. Mr Dutt said: “Ashneel said Edward was the luckiest. He could have died too if Makereta wasn’t there.”
Makereta, 13, and Steven Clarence Naibuka, 10, died on the spot. Edward is one of the two children admitted at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital’s Children’s Ward. He was the last person to be rescued on the fateful day.
Mr Dutt said his son was stuck under Makereta.
“They had to cut through the bus wall and used a lever to lift the debris off Makereta and Edward before they pulled them out. My brother pulled him out,” Mr Dutt said.
“He was stuck under Makereta. When they were pulled out, there was very little movement in my Eddie. I thank God for his life and pray over the loss of Makereta.” Mr Dutt said Edward suffered internal injuries to his chest as a result of the pressure on his body. He said the neurosurgeon was also present to have a look at him. Edward will have to stay in the hospital until he is given the all clear.
Rishika Dutt
Next to Edward’s bed is 13-yearold Rishika Dutt. She suffered injuries to the left side of her chest and has breathing problems.
Her mother, Subeen Ram, said Rishika was given morphine every five hours to ease the pain. “She was trapped under bus seats. As the bus tumbled, bus seats fell on her crushing her chest,” she said.
“I pray that she improves. And I hope the authorities look into the bus safety and roads in Lakena.”