Child Traumatised, Having Nightmares After School Van Crash – Mother

JOHOR BAHRU, July 8 (Bernama) -- A student from Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Ladang Tebrau, who was involved in a school van accident at Bandar Dato Onn yesterday, is traumatised and having nightmares following the incident.

M. Kartthiyani, 47, said her 11-year-old daughter, S. Tanalechumy, who sustained minor injuries including bruises on her legs, arms and jaw, is still in shock.

She said during the incident, her youngest daughter was seated behind the driver and there were 22 other schoolmates in the vehicle.

“I was at work when I received a call from my husband around 1 pm saying our daughter was involved in an accident, and I immediately rushed to the hospital.

“I am thankful that she is safe despite the minor injuries. She had nightmares last night and called out her friend’s name in her sleep. I hope she’ll be okay soon,” she told reporters when met at her home in Taman Munsyi Ibrahim here today.

Kartthiyani, a factory operator, said she does not blame the woman van driver, who also sustained injuries in the accident.

“I tried calling her (the driver) to check on her condition, but she hasn’t answered yet. I’m also worried about her, and I don’t blame her because no one wants something like this to happen,” she said.

Meanwhile, M. Gunaseelan, 37, said his 11-year-old son Tharshvin, who was also involved in the accident, required stitches for cuts on his forehead, nose and mouth.

Gunaseelan, a technician, said he was relieved that his daughter Yoagalakshmi, 6, who was also in the van, was not injured.

“My son was also seated behind the driver and may have hit the metal barrier in the van during the crash. His condition is stable, but for now, it is hard for him to eat and drink due to injuries inside his mouth,” he said.

Earlier, Johor Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin and State Unity, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman K. Raven Kumar visited the two students at their homes and presented contributions.

Four students sustained minor injuries while the driver suffered a broken leg in the accident. Two of the students and the driver are receiving treatment at Sultan Ismail Hospital (HSI).

-- BERNAMA