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Exactly one year has passed since the tragic Lucky Plaza car accident in which two servants were killed, and survivor Arceli Nucos has not fully recovered.
Following the December 29 accident last year, Arceli, 57, is still in a wheelchair and was discharged from the hospital last month.
A car had crashed into six domestic workers, including Ms. Arceli, in Lucky Plaza at around 5 p.m. that day.
The driver, Malaysian Chong Kim Hoe, reportedly sped up while making a U-turn, crossing a railing and entering a Lucky Plaza service road.
He faces three charges of dangerous driving.
The accident killed two people, including Arceli’s sister, Arlyn Nucos, 50, and injured four others.
Speaking to The New Paper last week from her hometown of La Unión in the Philippines, Ms. Arceli, the oldest of four siblings, said: “Lying next to her, I heard her voice calling me ‘Sister’ until her last breath.
“I cried. I couldn’t help her. I wanted to run to be by my sister’s side, but she was trapped, lying in agony and pain.”
Ms Arceli’s left leg was so badly injured that it almost had to be amputated, but doctors found a way to keep it.
She said, “They said there is a 5 percent chance that I can walk again. It’s just a miracle that I can walk again, but nothing is impossible if I just have faith in God.”
Ms. Arceli underwent about 10 operations and is still in rehab.
She has had to go back to basic skills, like learning to shower and even put on diapers.
Cheer up
What helped her fight for her life and get through difficult times was the love and encouragement of the people around her.
She said, “I felt my sister’s spirit saying ‘Sister, you must live. I am dead, but we must not both die at the same time. You must live and keep fighting.’
Her employer, friends and family, hospital staff, and Center for Domestic Employees (CDE) staff had visited her frequently in the hospital.
The accident has taught him to think positively, never lose hope, and strengthened his faith.
Ms. Arceli finally returned to the Philippines earlier this month and will have to attend regular check-ups.
She said, “I am still in rehab. It will take time, and in the process, I will reach retirement age.
[[nid:473052]]“I can’t serve well or perform my duties as I used to. I would still love to serve my employer and would have stayed longer if things hadn’t happened.”
Shamsul Kamar, executive director of the CDE, said they have supported the victims since the accident.
The CDE assisted with funeral arrangements for the deceased and provided emotional support to the injured.
He said: “As of now, all the victims and their closest relatives have been receiving relief payments from the charitable funds accumulated under the Domestic Employees Welfare Fund.
“Our staff will continue to be in contact with the victims and their families to offer our assistance should they require it.”
This article was first published in The new role. Permission is required for reproduction.
