Volunteer sues over auto wreck in Africa

GALVESTON � Jaime Bruce is suing International Foundation for Education and Self-Help over an auto accident in Africa last year.

Bruce's lawsuit, filed May 6 in Galveston County District Court, argues that IFESH bore responsibility for the alleged wreck in the Republic of Djibouti on Feb. 6, 2010.

The complainant served as a program volunteer for the defendant at the time of the incident in question.

Court papers show Bruce was a passenger in a vehicle driven by Moustapha Mohammed Houssein. They were traveling through an area known as Ballambalby, approximately 0.5 kilometers before the Dikhil Region in the Horn of Africa, when the accident occurred.

"The investigation surrounding the accident found Mr. Houssein to be at fault," the original petition says.

"As a proximate cause of the accident, the plaintiff suffered serious and permanent injuries and was taken to the local hospital in Djibouti, Africa."

Bruce claims she suffered a severe blow to the head during the subject event and insists IFESH was negligent with regard to its administration, coordination and implementation of the volunteer program in question, stating the defendant showed indifference toward her rights, safety and welfare.

Consequently, the plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.

She is represented by Tyler & Das.

The case has been assigned to Galveston County 56th District Court Judge Lonnie Cox.

Case No. 11-cv-0748