Residents of Kocholya in Teso North Constituency, Busia County, are mourning after a heartbreaking road accident claimed the life of a pregnant woman on Monday night, leaving behind a newborn baby who survived under shocking circumstances.

According to eyewitnesses, the accident happened at around 10pm when a speeding vehicle allegedly knocked down the woman before fleeing the scene without stopping. The impact killed the expectant mother instantly.

What followed left residents in disbelief.

Moments after the accident, it was discovered that the baby had been delivered from the mother’s womb and was still alive. The newborn reportedly had no visible injuries despite the horrific incident. The infant remained lying beside the mother’s body with the umbilical cord still attached for close to two hours as shocked residents tried to find help.

A good Samaritan identified as Fredrick Rwachaka stepped in and desperately tried to save the child. However, efforts to get emergency medical assistance reportedly hit a major setback after a nearby health facility allegedly informed them that no ambulance was available.

As panic and frustration grew among residents, members of the public joined hands to assist. With the help of a woman who was present at the scene, the umbilical cord was eventually cut before a passing private motorist agreed to rush the baby to hospital.

The infant is now said to be safe and recovering under medical care.

The tragic incident has sparked anger and concern among residents, many questioning the state of emergency response services in the area. Locals say the delay in accessing an ambulance may have placed the newborn’s life at even greater risk.

Meanwhile, the body of the deceased woman was later moved to the morgue as police begin investigations and efforts to identify both the victim and the driver involved in the hit-and-run accident.

Residents are now calling on county authorities to improve emergency medical services and road safety measures to prevent similar tragedies in future.