11 passengers killed as ancestral tree crushes Enugu vehicles

No fewer than 11 persons have been confirmed dead after a massive tree fell on two commercial vehicles at the Awhum Village Market Square in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State.

It was learnt that the incident, which occurred at about 8:45 pm on Tuesday, involved a Toyota Hiace bus and a Sienna minivan.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said the victims were passengers who had boarded the vehicles from Old Park, Enugu, and were heading to various villages within the Awhum/Okpatu axis.

According to the police, the vehicles had stopped at the market square to drop off some passengers when the tree collapsed on them.

The statement read in part, “Preliminary findings indicate that the vehicles had stopped to drop off passengers when the tree, weakened by heavy rainfall, strong winds, and apparent internal decay, collapsed on them.

“Upon receiving the report, operatives attached to 9th Mile Division swiftly responded and, with the assistance of community members, rescued four persons trapped in the vehicles and secured the scene.

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“Regrettably, the eleven other victims were rushed to the hospital but were later confirmed dead by attending doctors. Their remains have been deposited in the mortuary for further necessary procedures.”

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, while commiserating with the families of the deceased and the Awhum community, described the event as a tragic and unfortunate occurrence.

He further issued a safety advisory to community leaders and residents across the state to be proactive in environmental maintenance.

“The CP advises community leaders and residents across the state to regularly inspect and maintain large or ageing trees around markets, motor parks, schools, and residential areas, particularly during the rainy season, to prevent similar tragedies,” the statement added.

As of the time this report was filed, it was learnt that the four rescued survivors are receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital.